Letters from the Forty-fourth regiment M.V.M. : a record of the experience of a nine months' regiment in the Department of North Carolina in 1862-3

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LETTERS

TROM THE

FORTY-FOURTH RE&IMENT M. V. M.:

A RECORD OF THE

EXPERIENCE OF A NINE MONTHS' REGIMENT

IN TAB

DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA IN 1862-3.

BY "CORPORAL."

BOSTON:
PRINTED AT THE HERALD JOB OFFICE, No. 4 WILLIAMS COURT,

1863.

L E T T E R S

FROM THE

FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT M. V. M.:

A RECORD OF THE

EXP.EEIENCE OF A NINE MONTHS' EEGIMENT

I\ THE

DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA IN 1SG2-3.

BY "CORPOBAL."

BOSTON:
PRINTED AT THE HERALD JOB OFFICE, No. 4 WILLIAMS COURT,

1&63.

LETTERS.

Ix Barkacks at Readville,

Saturday, Aug. 30, 1862.
Your readers in Boston will not be uninterested in foUovving
the fortunes of tlie gallant 44th, which has just gone forth from
your city with full ranks, made up in large measure of young men
in whose honor and welfare every true Bostonian will feel a peculiar in-
terest. The jjersonnel of the 44th (recruited up from the Fourth Bat-
talion of Infantry as a nucleus,) has been so fi-equently the subject of
newspaper remark, that nothing more need be said under that head:
but it may not be vainglorious to say that no regiment has gone forth
from the old Bay State, renowned for the quality of its soldiers, which
exceeds or equals the second New England G uard regiment, as regards the
personal qualities of its rank and file. All the learned professions are
represented in its ranks, and even some of the recondite sciences and
fine arts have their accomplished devotees in this corps. Among the
latter may be reckoned the astronomer Tuttle, of Cambridge, and the
brothers Cobb, artists, of Boston. We have sons of ministers and
millionaires, and many rich men in their own right. The sons of min-
isters in the 44th, grievous to say, are generally publicans themselves,
and give few signs of eminently Christian training. This is strange.

" 'Tis true, 'tis pity ;
And pity 'tis, 'tis true."

This is the second attempt which the Fourth Battalion has recently
made to do their country some service ; and we have been wondering
if the present will prove as futile as the preceding one. But these do
not cover the honorable record of the Fourth Bats. The Massachu-
setts 24th sprang from this Battalion. That and the 2nd and other
Massachusetts regiments of earlier and later dates have been largely of-
ficered from its ranks. It has provided the army of the Union two

4: LETTERS FROM THE

hundred and liceuiij-five commissioned officers. A fact more cstraordi-
nary in connection with one military organization cannot be adduced,
and will go far to render the Fourth historic. The youthful patriot,
Putnam, whose untimely sacrifice at -Ball's Bluff, considered in connec-
tion with the unusual sweetness and force of character of the young
martyr, has caused the tears of a nation to flow, was once a member of
the Fourth, and his portrait now graces the Avails of its armory.

The 44th came one day too soon to barrack at Readville, but it was
their own fault. The fine new barracks just erected there weie not
completed, and will not be until to-night, although now habitable and
comfortable as heart can desire. But we have all had to work to pro-
duce this comfortable state of affairs so early, and the " school of the
soldier" has been neglected to-day.

Our first night in barracks was exceedingly jolly, as was to have been
expected. Poor devi'ls who depend on good sleep and a good deal of
it for what vitality they can muster, might probably have sworn last
night, if they had been obliged to barrack at Readville. Not that the
boys were riotous, or even obstreperous, but simply jolly. We supped on
hard bread, and coffee hotter than the crater of Vesuvius. Then,
pipes and cigars lighted, the early evening was devoted to music —
songs of home. After we had retired to our bunks, music of another
character "beguiled" the hours of night.

Your correspondent slept not at all the first night in barrack, for ob-
vious reasons. The inside musical performances opened with a barn-
yard chorus by the entire company, followed by a rapid, unintermitting
succession of dog, hog, pig, and rooster solos, duetts and quartettes,
single and combined, which continued in great volume until the unex-
pected arrival of the captain and his lieutenants, who are unfortunately
without any ear for music. After a short intermission, the performance
was resumed in a greatly modified condition, commencing with admira-
ble imitations of chickens astray from the shelter of the maternal wing,
and coming to a pause with the low, small, satisfied twitterings of chick-
ens in clover.

Then followed sounds less artistic, but not less suggestive to the gen-
eral appreciation, intermingled with snatches of conversation of a highly
festive character. The good wit of the occasion rendered endurable
what would otherwise have been an intolerable nuisance to any one
wanting sleep so badly as your humble servant ; but at last, as it must
be confessed, even this element failed to satisfy a scientific audience.
Objurgations, not loud but deep, came from a number of bunks where

MASSACIirSETTS FORTY-FOURTH RECiniENT. O

sleep had failed to come, or tam-ied a moment to be cruelly banished.
Despite all these adverse circumstances, sound sleep actuall}' came to
one poor fellow sleeping unsuspectingly below the " Corporal ;" but, as the
Fates would have it, it departed from him in this wise.

A small britannia flask, used chiefly to contain coifee and milk in the
temporary absence of dippers, fell from the rear of the " Corporal's " bunk
directly upon the head of the sleeper, suddenly arousing him to the
consciousness of life and its uncertainties. He screamed out vigorously
that one of the slats of our bunk had fallen upon his head, and sarcas-
tically offered to get up a contribution to improve our sleeping accom-
modations, and thereby render his own safety more complete. The
" Corporal," who felt the flask slip from beneath his pillow, knew that the
aroused man labored under a misapprehension, and clambered down to
recover the fugitive vessel, and manipulate a suddenly prominent bump
on the cranium of the one man of company D who succeeded in get-
ting asleep.

To-day we have been applying finishing touches to our quarters, and
exercising in company movements, by squads, &c. The turn-out at
beat of reveille, this morning at five o'clock, was a new sensation even
to the " Corporal." The style of the morning ablutions was a novelty, too.
Instead of basins and soap at the barracks, we were ordered to "fall in
with towels," and then were positively marched to a pond to wash our
faces and hands ! 0, the degradation of military rule ! Such is war.

To-morrow we shall look for a host of friends from Boston. We will
not attempt to disguise the hope we cherish, that they may bring their
pockets full of apples !

In the midtiphcity of Colonels Lee, never lees in a military sense,
your correspondent may inform somebody by stating that the Colonel
Lee commanding the 44th, was Major Lee of the 4th Battalion, and
never Colonel Lee of the 20th or 27th, or Colonel Lee of the Governor's
Staff, but is a brother of the latter. He is a large-hearted man, and a
sjilendid officer. His staff and line officers are fully worthy of him.
Altogether we are eminently satisfied with ourselves as a regiment.

In Bakracks at Readville, )
Sept. 6, 1862. \
Our first Sunday in barracks was enlivened by the presence of
friends from Boston. The hope we breathed with respect to apples
was more than met. The last cigar in many a private stock had just

6 LETTERS FROM THE

ended in smoke, and shed its sweetness on the desert air of Eeadville,
haply to be succeeded by new rehiys at the hands of thoughtful
friends. Wine, fruit and other comestibles poured into some favored
messes with overwhelming abundance, and it nmst be confessed that
Monday's bill of health was not improved by Sunday's too luxurious
bill of fare. " Corporal" would suggest that pastry and cake are of
no benefit to a soldier, but that ripe fruit is not only a luxury, but bi
great advantage as a corrective of the system.

Another sanitary suggestion. Several sick men on Monday traced
their ill health to bathing too soon after dinner. Few men can safely
plunge into the water within four hours after eating heartily. It stops
the digestive machinery, and then all goes wrong, indefinitely. Just
before dinner is a good time to bathe, or just before breakfast or supper
will do.

Would any one like to know how our first dress parade went ofi" ?
Well, I shan't tell. The occasion was graced by the Boston Brass
Band ; but a spirited young horse in front of the lines did the best thing
of the day — dancing in perfect time to the music. With his head erect
and nervously distended nostrils, he was a picture of grace. That that
horse has a soul " Corporal" has no doubt, else how could he have nmsic
in it ? Horses of duller metal were all around him, standing upon
three legs, and doing nothing but switch their tails at the flies. Some
hviman beings behave still more indiff"erently at concerts.

There is some emulation among the companies in the way of neat-
ness, conveniences and decorations about their several barracks. The
palm is due to Company D for' an early display of flags upon the out-
side, and also for certain novel decorations of the interior in the shape
of one or two delicate articles of apparel, probably wafted by the wind
from a washing hung out to dry.

One of our fellows was attacked by a cow the other day, and badly
wounded in his under-garments, but is expected to recover.

Company D has paid a little compliment to its commissioned ofiicers.
Captain Sullivan was made the recipient of a sword, sash, and belt, and
to Lieutenants Blake and Stebbins were presented shoulder straps.
These gentlemen are justly beloved by the men of their company for
their entire devotion to duty, and their high accomplishments as ofiicers.
They are all graduates of the Fourth Battalion. Of the qualifications
of Captains Hunt, Lombard and Kendall also, the personal acquaint-
ance of your correspondent enables him to speak in terms of high
praise.

MASSACHUSETTS roRTY-FOCKTII REGLMENT. 7

Company F having Had the tcmovity to erect a flag-staff taller than
Company D's, the latter company extended its mast a few feet over that
of its neighboring barrack. This and:)ition to excel exhibits itself in a
variety of ways. Some of the barracks are prettily lighted with lan-
terns, and in one or two of them the bunks are lettered and ornamented
in a very artistic manner. Afterward Captain Spencer Richardson's
bo3-s secured the tallest pole which could be found in the neighboring
woods, and at the present writing their flag floats the highest. The
barracks occupied by the companies of Captain Lombard, Captain Hunt
and Captain Kendall also have creditable displays of bunting, and con-
tribute to give the encampment an animated and beautiful appearance.

Each company has its excellent choir of singers, but Company F
affords instrumental as well as vocal music. The Cobb brothers, who
are excellent violinists, nightly delight a numerous auditory assembled
about their bunks.

As our stay at Readville protracts, we are gathering about us many
little comforts and luxuries Avhich we shall probably have to sacrifice in
the event of a sudden retirement from before an enemy. But while
we stay here our purpose is to make ourselves extremely comfortable ;
and in this purpose a numerous constituency of Mends are lending their
assistance in the way of hampers and baskets and bundles of fruit, and
other delicacies. Our mess gratefully acknowledges a basket of incom-
parable pies from a pious lady in Boston, who has no peer among
modern pastry cooks. Our judgment condemns all such luxuries, but
our heart acknowledges how good they are. And we are most gener-
ously remembered in gifts of more substantial value — writing desks,
medicines, wax-tapers, smoking caps, pipes, tobacco, cigars, &c., &c.
All these, we know, are the romance of war, the pleasant prelude of
things considerably rougher, but we will enjoy them while we may, and
when we come to the sterner duties of the soldier our hearts and arms
shall be nerved to strength by all the thoughtful kindness which friends
now lavish upon us.

We shall not forget the " Donation Committee" of the city of Bos-
ton, or its queenly agent who presides at the headquarters on Tremont
street, and dispenses havelocks, Testaments, pins, needles, towels, hand-
kerchiefs, &c., to every applicant whom it is in her power to serve.

I informed you in my first letter that our regiment was honored by
the membership of the astronomer Tuttle ; I omitted, however, to men-
tion that he rejected the tender of a lucrative position in the Washing-
ton Observatory to do a private soldier's duty in the 44th Regiment.

O LETTERS FROM THE

Patriotism more self-sacrificiug than this is rarely to be found, but when
found, a note should be made of it at once. We propose to call our
astronomical comrade " Old Stars." Although not yet twenty-three
years old, he has already grown gray in his assiduous night-watches for
the starry voyagers of the upper deep ; and now his chief anxiety is to
be placed upon the round of the night sentinel, -where he may pursue
his favorite study.

We have been having some delicious days this week. It was plea-
sure enough to live in such atmosphere and sunlight. Our evenings,
too, have been delightful, and we have had with them the music of the
band, promenades, dancing, &c. Many friends, with beautiful turn-
outs, and without, have visited us, and we have had a wonderfully hap-
py week. Who shall describe the wonderftil beauty of these September
sunrises, and the exhilaration of the morning air and bath at the pond ?

On Thursday we were honored by a visit from a sub-committee of
the Citizens' Committee of Boston, deputed to investigate the cuisine of
this regiment. Reports had gone abroad that we were badly fed: that,
in point of fact, we were not allowed broiled chickens for breakfast, nor
roast beef and plum-pudding for dinner. It is barely possible that the
committee had even more serious charges to investigate, and were hor-
rified to discover that we had neither loaf-sugar or cream in our tea and
coffee. Notwithstanding these serious deficiencies, the committee were
constrained to confess that our bread and soup were good enough for
the guests of the Parker House, and that in all other respects we fared
as well as the soldiers of any other regiment. We certainly didn't know
that we were badly used, until we were honored by the visit of the gen-
tlemen of eminent gravity. We looidd whisper one word in the ear of
the cook, and ask him to cook the rice ; but for the consolation of that
amiable individual we would remind him of the remark of Thomas Jef-
ferson, that there was but one woman north of the Potomac who knew
how to perform this important culinary operation.

The time of our departure, as well as our destination, is still prob-
lematical. Some have it that we are going to Virginia, others to Bal-
timore, others to New Orleans, and others that we are to remain where
we arc for a considerable space of time. The work of drill has com-
menced in earnest, and in a few weeks, few regiments will excel the
44tli in thoroughness of instruction. We have received our guns
(Enfield rifles), although they have not yet been distributed. A portion
of our uniforms have arrived, and will soon be distributed. A large
number of the regiment will wear uniforms made to measure, and of
better stock than that furnished by Uncle Sam.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGDIENT. >)

Before we leave Readville, it is suggested that we give our friends a
grand parting reception and ball, and that an acre or two of the camp-
ground be floored over for the convenience of those who would like to
trip the light fantastic.

In Barracks at Readville, \
Sept. 13, 1862. (
It may interest your readers to know that the field occupied by the
44th Regiment is where the famous striped pig was exhibited twenty
odd years ago — the pig made immortal in the well-remembered song
commencing —

" In Dedham just now there was a great muster,
Which gathered the people all up in a cluster ;
A terrible time, and what do you think,
To find a way to get something to drink I
Ri tu, di nu, di nu," &c.

To-day traffickers in the ardent hereabout labor under similar em-
barrassments with those of 1840. Colonel Lee has military jurisdic-
tion over a territorial radius of one mile, and has no bowels of com-
passion for those fellows who open rum and refreshment booths along
the highways and in the bushes about the camp. "Corporal" has
already signalized himself by leading a sf^uad of men and assisting in
the confiscation and reduction of a liquor shanty romantically situated
among the pines in the vicinity. The operation yielded us one flask of
whisky, two empty flasks, and a fresh supply of needed lumber, whereof
" Corporal" was awarded one board in consideration of his gallantry on
the occasion alluded to.

Another new sensation has befallen your correspondent in his first
experience as corporal of the guard. We have had a succession of
magnificent days and nights since we went into camp, and guard duty
has not been the most disagreeable part of our experience as soldiers.
The calm majesty of these moon-lit nights, the brooding stillness oc-
casionally broken by the challenge of the sentinel in this and the neigh-
boring camps, and the white tents and garrisons dotting the dark field,
conspire to form a scene of impressive beauty.

We have received an order from the Commander-in-Chief of all the
forces in Massachusetts prohibiting us from bathing at all Christian
hovirs of the day, out of regard to the sensitive nerves of somebody.
As nobody but soldiers live near the ponds, it is to be supposed that

10 LETTERS FROM THE

the order was promulgated as a measure of consideration of the naiads
and nymphs habitant hereabout. We heartily wish that everybody was
like Caesar's wife.

The " women of America," including a few Boston friends, have sent
us in a grand lunch of Washington pies, coffee and cold meats. Where
these dainties went to is a profound mystery to the non coms. and pri-
vates, but it is doubtless " all right."

At dress parade, the other day, Miss Josie Gregg, of Boston, through
Colonel Lee, presented us an elegant flag, and the gift was acknowledg-
ed by three cheers. Captain Spencer Richardson has received a sword,
sash, &c., from friends of the Mercantile Library Association, of which
he is an ex-president. Orderly Stebbins, of Company F, brother of
Lieutenant Stebbins, of Company D, has received a sword, sash, &c.,
from members of his company. Dan. Simpson, the drummer, has re-
ceived from friends in Company C (Captain Lombard), a Turkish fez,
which gives old Dan. a very rakish appearance.

Flag competition continues, and now every barrack shows its bunting
— that of Company D again floating the highest. Thursday morning
Company F's flag-staff presented to the eyes of an astonished camp the
same small white, bifurcated garment which had previously served to
decorate the interior of a neighboring barrack. The boys are bound not
to " 'have their selves," as Uncle Sim Wilbur used to say. We now
hope, however, for better things for our company, having sent the ser-
geants to a tent by themselves, and conferred the responsibility of keep-
ing good order upon the corporals.

Captain James Richardson's company give their barrack a beautiful,
almost oriental appearance at evening, by the introduction of numerous
Chinese lanterns. Li every barrack the fine arts are still cultivated in
the lettering and ornamentation of the bunks. One is labelled " Squir-
rels' Nest ; " another, " Penguin's Nest ; " another, " Sleeping Beauties ;"
another, "Siamese Twins;" another, " Damon and Pythias." Some
graduates of Tufts College, who occupy a bunk together, inform the
world in good classical phrase that it is sweet to die for your country.
They may well say that, if living in the barracks at Readville be dying
for your country. "Corporal" cannot but look with amazement upon
these classical young patriots elevated upon their bunks and devouring
home danties over this conspicuous motto — '•'' Dulce et decorum est pro
^jatrice mori ! "

In Company D we have the following graduates and under-graduates
of Tijfts College: — E. Fitz Gerald, Portsmouth, New Hampshire ; C.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH RFGDIENT. 11

Adams, Middleton, North Carolina; J. B. Brewster, Plymouth; W. E.
Savery, South Carver ; W. C. Ireland, Boston; W. E. Gibbs, West Cam-
bridge, Massachusetts; W. P. Treat, Canton, Maine; and A. C. Fish,
Janesville, Wisconsin. As may be supposed they are ornaments to the
company and regiment. Mr. Gibbs relinquishes the pastorate of the
TJniversalist Church in West Cambridge and a liberal salary to serve
his country as a private soldier.

Our Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Hall, of Plymouth, was introduced to us last
Sunday, and made a good impression upon the regiment for his brevity
of speech and avoidance of religious cant. He said the engrossing duty
of the day was devotion to our country, and felicitated the young men
of the regiment that an opportunity was opened to them to consecrate
their powers to so high an object. The music was very hum-drum,
considering the number and quality of our vocalists, but we shall do
better.

Mr. Charles White, of Milton, who has two sons in the 44th, is get-
ting up a regimental song book. Original contributions of the true
ring would doubtless be well received.

The quarters of Company G, Captain Hunt, are tastefully ornament-
ed with evergreen, and are much admired by visitors ; but it is on all
hands conceded that the barrack of Company D, thanks to the oversight
of our admirable Corporal Waterman, is most noticeable for its com-
plete order and neatness. It is whispered that we are to have a
piano, if we remain here much longer ; and then, with such singers
among us as Charley Ewer, from the Warren Street choir, we reckon
upon very good times in the musical line.

Yesterday was a great day with the men of the 44th. We were
mustered into the service of the United States by companies. The
event was hailed with cheering and general rejoicing ; and then the
uniforms provided by Uncle Sam were opened for inspection. Many
members of the regiment had already provided themselves with garments
of superior quality, made to measure, and those who had not taken this
precaution regretted it the more when they came to see the half cotton,
shoddy, slouchy stuff sent to them through the State authorities.
Colonel Lee, who has a natural abhorrence of shams in all shapes,
advised his men not to draw such imiforms, and promised to assist them
in procuring garments made to measure. The men gladly acted upon
the suggestion of the Colonel and will clothe themselves, not less as a
matter of neatness and taste than of economy.

The mustering-in certificates were given out yesterday and to-day,

12 LETTERS FROM THE

and some of the boys Lave already pocketed the generous bounties
voted them in Boston and elsewhere. Mayor Wightman was here on
Friday, and was cheered as he passed among the barracks.

Last evening the barrack of Company F, Captain Storrow, was the
centre of attraction. The parents of the artists Cobb were present,
and the delighted spectators of a country break-down and other festive
demonstrations. Mrs. Cobb delivered a little impromptu poem, and
Mr. Cobb a very stirring address, both of which were vociferously
applauded. The Cobb brothers sang and played exquisitely, and the
occasion was one of touching interest.

Brigadier-Greneral Pierce has been appointed to command Camp
Meigs, including the several encampments at Readville, and Lieutenant
Richard H. Weld, Post Adjutant.

To-day a fine flag-staff was erected at the brigade headquarters near
the depot. In a little while Camp Meigs will be one of the grandest
and most comjilete military posts in New England.

We have been provided with muskets for guard duty only, and of
course have much work to perform in the manual of arms' drill before
we shall be fit to take the field. Li the facings we have made com-
mendable progress, and have been highly complimented by Colonel Lee
in this respect.

Since the 44th went into barracks they have been favored with tlie
services of the Boston Brass Band, under the lead of Mr. Flagg. It
is said the expense is to be defrayed by an assessment upon the regiment.
Considering that the mass of the regiment have had no voice in the
selection of a band, a number of persons are inclined to consider this
a little " rough." What " Corporal" and many others wish to suggest
in this connection is, that a few of our rich friends in Boston unite to
defray the expense of a yoocl band, which shall accompany us to the
seat of war. It is thought they would be pleased to confer this sub-
stantial benefit upon the regiment, and thus acknowledge the important
assistance rendered by the Fourth Battalion of Infantry in raising the
quota of Boston. Failing in this, a set of instruments would be grate-
fidly acknowledged, and an excellent band would then be recruited from
the regiment.

In Barracks at Readville, )^
Saturday, Sept. 20, 1862. )
We begin to feel the rigors of a soldier's life, and among our hard-
ships are green corn, onion soup, baked beans, bro\\Ti bread, boiled pota-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMEJNT. 1:]

toes, &c. If we liad not been mustered in at the time we were, there is no
saying what the consequences of delay might not have been. As for
our cook, he has been forced to seek an asykini out of camp, under a
pretence of sickness. He could no longer foce the frown of a virtuous
and half-starved soldiery, so he unwreathed his face of " that smile,"
which had so long deceived the boys, and then —

" Folded up his dishcloth like the Arabs,
Aud in darkness stole away."

Applications for the vacancy at the " Bite Tavern," from Parker & Mills
and J. B. Smith are under consideration.

Since we were sworn in we have felt the tightening of the military
rein. No man has been allowed to see his friends, or to receive pres-
ents from them except on the points of their bayonets. On Monday
about two hundred men only could be mustered for battalion drill. The
other eight hundred, except those who had gone to Boston and elsewhere,
were in irons at the guard-house. Colonel Lee and staff were intoxi-
cated— with the varied strains of the Boston Brass Band. Altogether
we have been in a sad muss.

When are we going to leave for the seat of war ? We don't know.
It is said at the Adjutant-General's office that we shall be the next reg-
iment to leave. If this is so, why are not the muskets given out ? The
Elementary Spelling Book used to say, " wheels are admirable instru-
ments of conveyance." It might also have said that guns are useful
implements of warfare, and that wheelings and facings alone never did
kill the devil. " Corporal," who confesses to a* distaste for actual war-
fare, and who, like Sparrowgrass, would be glad never to leave his
State, except in case of invasion, indulges the hope that this delay in
distributing the arms indicates an indefinite continuance of barrack life
and drill.

The past week has been one of furloughs, the men being thus enabled
to go to their several hailing places and procure their bounties. We
are sorry to say that red tape has ruled potently with some of the town
authorities, and that some soldiers have been disappointed in not re-
ceiving what is clearly theirs, for the want of forms of certificate not
required in Boston. Dear old Boston ! She not only does generous
things, but does them as quietly and with as little trouble to the recip-
ients as though she was not conferring a benefit. She that never tires
in doing good is not mis-named "the Hub." " Corporal" will be her
spokesman, although his bounty came not from her treasury, nor any
other, as yet.

14 LETTERS FROM THE

We reasonably expect that a week of furloughs will be succeeded by
work. Some of our little captains are threatening us hard. More drill
and less guard duty will not be unacceptable to the poor fellows, whose
duty as sentinels for the past week has only been relieved by the relax-
ation of police guard work or scavenger service. Bootless has been the
plea, " I was on guard yesterday, and police guard the day before."
The orderly knew it. There was no help for it. It costs hard work,
but we have the cleanest camp in Christendom, if we may believe vis-
itors. Lieutenant McLaughlin, our nn;stering-in officer, was profuse in
his commendations of the 44th. It was, he said, the most orderly and
the cleanest regiment he ever mustered in. The company roUs were the
neatest which had ever come under his inspection, and the number of
absentees (one sick and one unavoidably absent,) the smallest in his ex-
perience. We do not wish to be always elevating our horn, but we
must record history.

Speaking of guard duty, we have added to our guards another wheel
in the camp machinery of good order — a provost guard. Captain
Smith, of Company H, has been appointed Provost Marshal of this
post. Lieutenant Forbes, of Company K, formerly of the Commercial
Bulletin, Lieutenant Laughton, of the 43d Regiment, and Lieutenant
Singleton, of the 42d, have been appointed Lieutenants of the provost
guard. The headquarters of this guard are near the depot. It consists
of a relief from each of the above regiments, and its principal duty is
to reduce rum booths in the vicinity and look up stragglers from the
camp.

Since my last letter there have been added to the list of decorated
barracks, those of Company B, Captain Grriswold, and Company A,
Captain Richardson. Company D has introduced Chinese lanterns,
small flags, and the arms of the New England Guards, neatly painted
by one of our numerous artists, to wit, Fred. Sayer, the lingual prodigy
and pet of his corps. We have not yet procured a drummer, but our
tallest corporal, Messinger, who has seen enough of military prefer-
ment, is in training as a candidate. Since the above was written, a
drummer has been selected, but Messinger's claims were ignored.

Among the testimonials of the past week have been a sword, sash
and belt to Orderly Hatch, of Captain Hunt's company, and a splendid
meerschaum pipe to Captain James Richardson. Gold, silver and
amber combine to make the latter present a dudheen of irreproachable
beauty.

A startling rumor has just come into camp to the effect that we are

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 15

to be allowed no more extras. The fellows who have been sub.sisthiof
upon pies, sponge cake, pickles, etc., etc., propose to hold an indigna-
tion meeting, and arouse public sentiment against the contemplated
outrage. If we cannot be allowed to eat WnaJiiiKjton pies, wliat are
our liberties worth, we should like to know ? 3Iore than this, we are
not to be allowed to eat our rations in barrack except in rainy weather.
Such is war. But are we to be kept under stricter discipline than regi-
ments in the field ? Are we to have no sutler ? Is the dealer in " veg-
etable oysters" opposite the guard house to be driven off? We refuse
to believe it.

A large proportion of the regiment is now uniformed in neatly fitting
suits, having no relationship to the contractors' shoddy which was
attempted to be foisted upon us. Our appearance at the dress parades
is creditable, and every pleasant afternoon crowds of spectators honor
us with their presence. The number of pretty girls that adorn these
occasions, coming as they do, laden with ofi"erings of fruits and flowers
for their favorites, is by no means the least interesting feature of the
afternoon displays. The angels even besiege us in our barracks, and
although we are delighted to see them, they seem sometimes to forget
that we have no retiring rooms, and that we must perforce make our
toilettes in our bunks, or not make them at all. " Corporal" wants it
distinctly understood that he don't care anything about this, personally.
He speaks for the modest man of his company.

Yesterday the numerous flags at Camp Meigs were at half-mast in
respect to the memory of General Reno. To-day the Warren Drum
Corps were rapturously received by the soldieips of the 44th. Doctor
Kirk, the great and earnest-hearted minister of the ]Mount Vernon
Church, was in camp to-day, distributing neat little books appropriate
to soldiers. Neatly printed hooks are read when mere tracts are thrown
away. " Corporal" heard one fellow remark with irreverent facetious-
ness that somebody had filled his booth with tracts and carried away all
articles of extrinsic value. The chap had undoubtedly lost something,
and selected this profane way of giving vent to his anger.

Your correspondent could expatiate by the half column of the social
fascinations of this life in barracks, of the genial friendships formed ;
of the glorious hearts discovered ; of the roaring wit brought out by
this free and easy companionship ; of the freedom from conventional
restraints and the care of every-day pursuits. Do not, dear reader,
think us too jolly and comfortable for soldiers, but rather thank Heaven
for the sunny side and recompense of military life, which, perhaps, after

16 LETTERS FROM THE

all, but very feebly offset the sluidows tlii'ough which lies the pathway
of hiia who takes up anus iu defense of liberty, imperilled as it is
to-day.

Ix Bamiacks at Readville, )
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1862. ]

One of our home corps was at Camp Meigs last Sunday, and noted
the extraordinary rush of visitors upon that day. The members of the
44tli were allowed a few hours' leave of absence outside their lines, and
improved the time by visiting the encampments of the other regiments
and battery east of the pond. The visit was an agreeable one, and af-
forded us a fine opportunity to contrast the condition of our camp with
that of the other regiments at this post. We found the barracks of the
45tli (Cadet Regiment) in fine condition, and constructed with better
regard to light and ventilation than our own. In other respects we did
not suifer by comparison with either regiment. Gilmore's Band hon-
ored us by playing the Fourth Battalion Quickstep, (xilmore promises
us a serenade one of these fine evenings. In a few days more we shall
have more moonlight nights, and, if we remain at Camp Meigs, a repe-
tition of out-door evening sociability, music and moonlight rambles. At
this writing, however, the air is thick with rumors of a speedy departure
of our regiment. We have it from apparently good authority that the
47th, Colonel Marsh, is to occupy these barracks nest week, and that a
transport now lies in Boston harbor waiting to convey us to New Or-
leans, or Newbern, for one of which posts, it is said, we are to sail the
latter part of next week. Another rumor sends us to Annapolis, pre-
liminary to our sea voyage South, and another to Fort Warren. We
propose to resign ourselves to either of these dispositions, especially to
the New Orleans trip, now that we begin to feel the bite of these au<-
tumn nights and mornings. The most unmusical of sounds is the reveille
at five o'clock, A. M. Even the fi-eshness and magnificence of those
star-gemmed mornings scarcely compensate us for this ghostly hour of
turning out. But now we are threjitened with calls among the small
hours for the purpose of preparing us for surprises in the enemy's
country. We would gladly excuse our officers from this laborious work
in our behalf. In fact, we shall not be less grateful to them if they do
not carry the plan into execution. Beside, midnight movements like
these might excite the suspicion of our ubiquitous provost guard,
and result in getting the whole regiment into limbo. We could not

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 17

even visit our neighbors of the other regiments, last Sunday, without
falling into the hands of those merciless Philistines, who go about the
country like roaring lions seeking whom they may devour.

Companies J] and D have been making double-quick marches to
Dedham village by the three-mile route. An uninterrupted run of
three miles is something incredible to the uninitiated. " Corporal" and
five others confess, with proper self-abasement, that the last mile Avas
rather too much for them, especially as your correspondent was tortured
by a pair of new boots. We fell out. The first man who " caved in "
was Tucker — a coincidence worthy the notice of one of your cotem-
poraries. By seasonably falling out, we escaped rushes of blood, palpi-
tations of the heart, and further abrasions of the feet, but we were soon
placed in mortal teiTor of the provost guard. We saw their blue
habiliments and burnished muskets in the distance, and rushed precipi-
tately into the first wayside building. They did not discover us, but we
saw their wagon enter the village of Dedham close upon the heels of
those who had out-winded us. We fondly hoped that our comrades
would get arrested — so amiable is human nature ; but the guard saw
their formidable numbers and passed by on the other side. In the place
where Tucker and his fellow recusants sought seclusion, we were hos-
pitably regaled with apples, and then soon after started upon our return
to camp by another road. A tint of blue in the distance re-awakened
our fears of the provost. We rushed into a barn and peeped through
half-closed doors, until a lady in cerulean garb drove past and relieved
us of our immediate terror. A little further along, the familiar notifi-
cation of " vegetable oysters and refreshments" induced us to invest in
a bottle of pop beer. " Vegetable Oysters," although loudly demand-
ed, were not to be had. At last the ill-disguised scorn of the woman
who kept the place recommended us to leave. Who should we next
encounter but two soldiers ? They doubtless belonged to the provost ;
but we put a bold face upon the matter, and determined to stand the
chances. They were not the provost. They might think we were, so
we demanded their passes in the most business-like manner we could
assume, and they were produced, although not without manifest
distrust of our functions. We pronounced the passes satisfactory, and
then proceeded camp-ward with aching sides and manifestations of severe
colic, which further excited the suspicions of the two artillerymen with
passes. A little while before dinner, a small " awkward squad" might
have been seen descending the railroad embankment near Camp Meigs,
and then proceeding, crab-like, by the right and left flanks, until it safely

18 LETTERS FROM THE

passed the lines. The main party had not arrived, and we confidently
reported them in the hands of the provost. On the contrary, as we
learned upon their arrival, they had been detained by a number of
beautiful Samaritans habitant along the road, who came out laden with
apples and pears, which were distributed among the soldiers with smiles
and kind words. Several fellows came back to camp with hearts and
pedal extremities equally damaged.

Our rifles have been distributed at last, and we have commenced drill-
ing in the manual with great industry. We are going strictly by " the
book," and have to unlearn some things peculiar to the tactics of Colonel
Stevenson, formerly of the Fourth Battalion. This gentleman, by the
way, visited us on Wednesday, and was cordially received. If he had
arrived at the time he was expected, a formal demonstration by the
entire regiment would have been made in his honor. We were all
drawn up in line for that purpose, but it is not improbable that " Tom,"
as his old military covfrerea fondly call him, got wind of the proceeding.

The rumors given in my last concerning stricter camp discipline were
chiefly true. We are not allowed to eat in the barracks. The order
concerning extras from home has not been rigidly enforced, and our
friends have been allowed to remember us with many little comforts,
and to assist at many delightful messes in the company streets. As a
screw has lately worked loose in the matter of rations, it must be con-
fessed that these attentions from our friends have proved most fortunate.
Some of the boys will have it that the interests of the regimental sutler
were consulted in the late promulgation about provisions in the barracks,
and several companies have voted not to patronize that individual. It
is certainly diflicult to conceive why dainties from home are more
objectionable in a military point of view than those from the sutler's
stores. In this connection, " Corporal" would state that Company D,
in the matter of rations, owes much to the liberality of Corporal Page.

On Thursday we had a grand cleaning out of barracks. Everything
was removed from them, and exposed to the air and sunshine. Most
of the regiment being absent on escort duty, the task devolved upon a
few. It was a work of vandalism. Cherished shelves, pictures, flags,
and flowers came down at one fell swoop. The personal eff'ects of
absentees were tumbled down and bestowed in promiscuous piles into
the bunks, and then carried outside. They comprised a heterogeneous
collection of valuables, like pats of butter, soap, packs of cards and
Testaments, tooth-brushes and cutlery, spare clothing and baskets,
haversacks, havelocks, night-caps and smoking-caps, pipes, tobacco

MASSACIIISETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 19

and matches, now and then a bottle, and one umbrella. Having the
example before them of the army in Flanders, the absentees of the
44th swore when they came back and witnessed the "improvements"
which had been made while they were away.

We have occasional evening entertainments here in the shape of
ground and lofty tumbling {en costume) and sparring matches. Between
our hours of drill, camp duties, reception of visitors, music, letter-
writing, &c., there is no possibility of time dragging upon our hands.
Now visitors are restricted to the hours between half past four and half
past eight P. M. Among the testimonials of the past week was the
presentation to Orderly Tripp, of Company D, (Captain Sullivan) of a
beautiful sword, sash and belt. The company are much attached to
their orderly for his modest and efficient way of performing the many
and arduous duties appertaining to his post. Orderly Sumner, of Captain
Kendall's company, who is also highly spoken of, has received a similar
compliment.

Our Surgeon, Dr. Ware, of Boston, is drawing a tight rein over the
regiment. His experience upon the Peninsula has given him notions
of sanitary discipline which some think too severe for soldiers in bar-
racks at home. He has stripped our quarters of everything but prime
necessaries, and we are reduced to a very bald condition indeed. We
shall probably see the wisdom of this severity more clearly by and by.
At present a majority of the boys don't see it at all. Thursday night
we tried the experiment of sleeping without straw in our bunks. It
didn't work, and now we propose to provide ourselves with canvas
bags to keep the straw in place, and thus avoid the continual nuisance
of straw litter inside and out.

On Thursday detachments from six companies of our regiment acted
as escort at the funeral of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight. Con-
sidering the short time of our practice in the manual of arms, the regi-
ment was awarded the credit of great proficiency, particularly in the
firing of vollies. Colonel Stevenson paid the regiment the highest
compliment.

Among other things for the convenience of the soldiers is the
arrangement made by Brigadier-General Pierce to have two regular
mails daily. Letters directed " Camp Meigs, Boston," with the letter
of the company and the number of the regiment, will reach their des-
tination promptly. Mails close in Boston at seven A. M., and two
P. M. The arrangement thus far has worked admirably.

The Brigadier was serenaded last night by our band, which went to

20 LETTERS FROM THE

liis quarters, accompanied by the Colouel, staff aud line officers, all of
whom received the hospitable couitesies of the commanding General.

On Friday the old members of the Fourth Battalion were pleased to
witness the beaming countenance of ex-Adjutant Soule, late military
superintendent of plantations in South Carolina. Mr. Soule was Ad-
jutant of the Battalion when it was sworn into the United States service
last May. He now declares his intention of going with us as a private
soldier. We shall be glad to welcome him into our ranks.

In closing this letter, "■ Corporal" must acknowledge a kind and most
substantial remembrancer from a noble woman in Clinton, whose gift
was accompanied by a note full of sentiments of patriotism, and per-
sonal interest in the soldier. Her kindness will not be forgotten by
your correspondent or his " mess."

In Barracks at Readtille, >
Satiikday, Oct. 4, 1862. )
The past week Col. Lee has wisely varied our drill by taking the
regiment on marches through portions of the country surrounding Camp
Meigs. Our first of these marches, after escort duty at the funeral of
the late Lt. Col. Dwight, was through that portion of Milton of which
we have such delightful glimpses from the camp. We were forced to
breathe dust freely, but through the clouds which rose wherever the
regiment moved we caught refreshing views of stately homesteads,
blushing orchards, and autumn-tinted landscapes. We were halted a
mile fi'om camp, and treated to cool water in front of an elm-shaded
farm house overlooking a bend in a smooth stream just where a herd
of cows were enjoying their forenoon delectation. If they had arranged
themselves for picturesque effect they couldn't have done better. If the
reader would see apples upon the wayside trees "like apples of gold in
pictures of silver," let him take a warm, dusty march of sis miles past
orchards laden with September fruitage. Since the march to Milton
we have surprised the good people of Mill Village and round about
Dedham Court House by a sudden appearance in their midst. For the
gratification of our many friends who are anxiously watching the pro-
gress of this regiment, I have to report that our marching extorted
great praise from Col. Lee, who, by the way, is quite as prompt to give
us a sound blowing up as he is to compliment. In point of fact, he
does neither by halves. His outspoken frankness and generosity are
creating him hosts of warm friends in the regiment.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 21

Our camp has not been without one or two episodes of "romance in
real life," to coin a phrase. Last Sunday — a day exactly answering to
the description of the poet —

" sad, and dark, aud dreary," —

the camp of the 44th was visited by a pale fair one in quest of her "be-
trayer." Betrayer, a moustached young fellow not unknown among
the Boston sports, attempted to play the stranger. The dodge was un-
successful. The young woman proclaimed that he was her lovyer, and
moustache was finally obliged to succumb. They met at the guard
house. What passed between them is not known, but enough was
guessed at to seriously affect the sensibilities of the susceptible young
sergeant on duty upon that occasion. After the interview, the young
woman started to leave the field, but being overtaken by a real fainting
fit, was brought back by a corporal's guard, and a new opportunity was
thus afforded the gallant lieutenants at that post to render any assis-
tance which the circumstances might require. Lieut. Forbes especially
signalized himself by his delicate attentions ; and it should be men-
tioned that a large number of other lieutenants signified their willing-
ness to be serviceable in the same direction. "Corporal" is happy to
be assured that the young woman is likely to sur\dve her rather doubt-
ful heart-wounds.

Since the above was written, it is rumored that the parties are man
and wife.

There is no great harmony in camp upon the subject of music. A
proposition to defray the future expense of the Boston Brass Band at
the rate of five cents a day per man was not agreed to. Many of us
will be sorry to lose the band, which acquits itself very creditably, but
we shall have left to us the consolation of Dan Simpson's drum and the
veteran Smith's fife. For sixty odd years has the latter been without
a peer upon the instrument he uses, and now it does the soid good
to hear his trills at tattoo and revieUe, as we stand in the company
street for roll-call. May he never be without something to wet his
whistle !

We received marching orders last Thursday, and are going to New-
bern, N. C, as soon as a transport vessel can be got in readiness. At
Newbern it is expected we shall be brigaded under General, now
Colonel, Stevenson. This will be gratifying to the regiment.

" Corporal" is requested to correct a statement which crept into his
last letter to the effect that private Tucker, of Co. D, was the first to

99

LETTERS FROM THE

cave in on the late double-quick march to Dedham. It should have
read " one of the first." Your coiTespondent has no desire to
sacrifice truth to a pun. Tucker is doubtless a man of bottom as well
as speed.

Among the testimonials to ofiicers in the 44th should be mentioned
the presentation of a sword, sash and belt to Orderly Cunningham, of
Company C, and a sword, sash, belt and pistol to Orderly Buck of
Company B,

Our indefatigable surgeon is organizing and training a corps of assis-
tants who are to lend their aid to the wounded upon the field of battle.
The training consists of binding up imaginary wounds, pointing out the
position of arteries, showing how to handle fractured limbs, placing
men upon litters, and showing how to carry them with the least possi-
ble disturbance of the wounded parts.

Since my last the ventilation of the barracks has been improved by
sawing out holes in the walls, close to the floors. This is going to the
bottom of the matter. The idea of getting rid of carbonic acid gas by
forcing it up through the sky-lights is an exploded one, and ought to
be forced out of the minds of those who argue that " bad air rises."

Mr. SteiFen, formerly a captain in the Prussian service, and recently
instructor of the Massachusetts Rifle Club, is a frequent visitor to our
regiment, and is now delivering a series of military lessons to our
officers. Mr. Steff"en is a well educated gentleman, and a military in-
structor of decided accomplishments.

Since Lieutenant Forbes signalized himself by his gallantry to a dis-
tressed fair one, he has figured less agreeably in another afi"air, and has
resigned his commission. His off'ense appears to have been in putting
too much stress upon the subordination due from privates to non-com-
missioned officers, especially corporals. His language, it must be con-
fessed, was more forcible than elegant, and bordered too strongly upon
the profane to escape the censure of Colonel Lee, who asked the lieut-
enant to resign or submit to a court-martial.

Yesterday and to-day short furloughs have been freely granted, and
there is a general impression that they are our last ones. We may not,
however, leave for a week or two yet.

Your correspondent notices in the Boston Advertiser the following
statement concerning Company F, Captain Storrow, of the 44th Regi-
ment, which was prepared by a member of that company. The men
were measured in their stockings, which accounts for the average being
somewhat below the common standard. All men are set down as

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIME^'T. 23

"drinking" who are not conscientiously opposed to the use of ardent
spirit in anij form and lotdcr all cirrumnfanci's, as a beverage :

" Of ninety-eight warrant officers and privates, in politics sixty-five
were straight Republicans, fourteen conservative Republicans, and three
radical Republicans ; eleven Union, three Democrats, one Abolitionist,
and one undecided.

Thirty-two worship at the Unitarian Church, twenty-one at the Con-
gi'egationalist, nineteen at the jNIethodist, fourteen at the Episcopal,
eight at the Baptist, and four at the Universalist. Thirty-four are com-
municants of churches as follows : fourteen of the Methodist church,
seven of the Congregational, five of the Episcopal, three of the Unita-
rian, three of the Baptist, and two of the Universalist.

The average age of the company is thirty-two years seven and seven-
teen forty-ninths days. The youngest man is seventeen years old, and
the oldest forty.

The average height is five feet seven and nine-one hundred and nine-
ty-sixths inches. The shortest man is five feet three and one-quarter
inches, the tallest six feet one and one-quarter inches.

The average weight of the company is one hundred and thirty-seven
and seventeen forty-ninth pounds. The heaviest man weighs one hun-
dred and sixty-five pounds, the lightest one hundred and fifteen pounds.

Forty-four are set down as drinking ; seven as drinking nothing
stronger than cider and ale ; and forty-seven as not drinking ardent
spirits in any shape.

Fifty-seven smoke and forty-four do not ; twenty-three neither drink
nor smoke ; thirty-three both drink and smoke ; twenty -four smoke, but
do not drink; and eighteen drink, but do not smoke.

There are nine married men and three widowers in the company, and
sixteen admit that they are engaged to be married.

The occupations of the company, present and prospective, are as
follows :

Thirty-seven intend to be or are merchants ; four clergymen, eight
lawyers, five farmers, four " literateurs," two physicians, two engineers,
two printers, two cabinet makers, two machinists, two musicians, and
one of each of the following : chemist, soldier, boot and shoe maker,
manufacturer, provision dealer, banker, marble-worker, blacksmith, sail-
maker, tea-broker, baker, druggist, expressman, jeweler, salesman,
bookkeeper ; ten are undecided.

There are in the company sixteen graduates and undergraduates, all
from Harvard.

24 LETTERS FROM THE

In Babkacks at Readville, \
Saturday, Oct. 11, 1862. ]
The close of another week still finds us

" DoAvn by the Readville farm,"

and, with the exception of yesterday and to-day, a glorious week we
have had ; choice October days, such as call

" the squirrel and the bee

From out their woodland home."

Indian Summer days, fit to inspire poetry in minds most prosaic ; a
warm sun, an empurpled atmosphere, soft breathing winds, and painted
forests to feed the eye withal; glorious moon-lit nights and music to
invite visitors; to render charming the duties of the sentinel, "pacing
his lonely beat," and to render a healthy life altogether beautiful. A
late sunset aff"orded a spectacle gorgeous as a dream of fairy land. As
such a cloud-scene occurs no more than once or twice in a life-time, I
cannot forbear to mention the magnificent assembling and coloring of
clouds which waited upon the retiring day-king on Tuesday, and im-
pressed every beholder with something of celestial beauty. To live in
the midst of such scenes and such surroundings are among the soldier's
recompenses. Happy for the soldier if he retains the power to enjoy
them !

Wednesday afternoon and evening brought us a host of visitors.
The rumors of our near departure brought a perfect cloud of friends.
The evening was magnificent, and the tide of social enjoyment ran high.
The band discoursed its best music, and our company glee clubs filled
the interims quite acceptably. Our leading singers have a large reper-
tory of fine sentimental songs, in addition to a large number of impro-
visations based upon the "Fourth Battalion" chorus, which runs in

this wise : —

" Fourth Battalion, 'talion,
Fourth Battalion, 'talion,
Fourth Battalion,
Down by the Bigelow farm."

The novelty of our diet has suggested such parodies as the following :

'• Ham for breakfast, breakfast,
Ham for breakfast, breakfast.
Ham for breakfast,
Down by the Readville farm.

Ham for dinner, dinner.
Ham for dinner, dinner,
Ham for dinner,
Down by the Readville farm."

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIME^"T. 25

And so on for suppur. Then again the chorus is varied by substi-
tuting the word rice for ham, and with equal effect. Military lessons
are sometimes conveyed in the same air, as follows:

" Keep your butts back, butts back,
Keep your butts back, butts back,
Keep your butts back,
Down by the Readville farm."

Then again :

' Thir-teen inches, inches,
Thir-teen inches, inches,
Thir-teen inches,
From breast to back."

Another favorite route-step song is known as " Saw my leg off," set
to an old devotional air, and comprised in these four words, frequently
repeated, wath the addition of the word "s/ior<," pronounced in the
most abrupt and explosive manner of which human lungs are capable.
The effect is rather sublime, as may be imagined.

On Thursday we were treated to a magnificent march over Brush
Hill — our first brush. Every inch of the route, which carried us over
the most beautiful portion of Milton, and past the residences of the
Forbeses, was picturesque as the dream of a poet. Let those who may
think this comparison overwrought, pursue the same route one of these
fine October days, and then pause to catch the view of sea and landscape
from Milton Hill. Our march, which included a distance of fourteen
miles, was, considering the state of the atmosphere, the severest of our
experience ; but it was cheered by the smiles and waving handkerchiefs
of beautifid women in windows, gateways, balconies, and groves ; and
by their more substantial favors in the shape of apples, pears, and cool
water. The few men who fell out of the ranks from faintness and ex-
haustion were of the reputed tougher sort — men of out-door life and
pursuits. Your professional men and clerks, clean-limbed and elastic,
are the men to endure hardships, all the talk to the contrary notwith-
standing. This, I believe, was the observation of the " Little Cor-
poral."

Among the late testimonials in the 44th deserving of mention, are
the presentation of a knife, fork, and spoon, in a neat case, to each of
the recruits from Framingham, by their friends in that town, and a
sword, sash, belt, and various smaller articles of value and convenience,
to Orderly Edmands, of Company A, by his friends in that company.

Your correspondent, and the other members of Company D, are in-

26 LETTERS FROM THE

debted to Corporal Grardner for the introduction of a company dog —
Romeo, a promising fellow, whose laughing countenance, waving tail,
and general intelligence have already won him a host of friends. Sev-
eral of the boys are industriously laboring to reconcile him to the society
of a cat which has come to our barrack.

Mr. Burrage, of the firm of J. M. Beebe & Co., has presented to
each member of Company C, Captain Lombard, one of Short's patent
box knapsacks. If they can be manufactured in season to supply us
before our departure South, the other members of the regiment will
probably supply themselves with this knapsack at their own expense,
which will amount to $2.50 per man. This knapsack is so adjusted to
the shoulders as to be carried with much greater ease than the govern-
ment article.

At this writing it is generally believed that we shall sail for Newbern
about the middle of next week. For particular information on this
point, and also with reference to state-rooms and sleeping cars, the
public is directed to the Quartermaster's Department, where tickets for
such like mythical accommodations are freely dispensed for satisfactory
considerations.

By favor of private Greo. W. Sawin, I am this week enabled to give
the following statistics of Company D, Captain Sullivan:

Clerks fifty-four, merchants five, farmers four, carpenters two, hotel
keepers two, marble workers two, and one each of the following : astron-
omer, sailor, piano-forte tuner, civil engineer, architect, blacksmith,
druggist, glass-blower, jeweller, shoe dealer, surveyor, clergyman, editor,
machine stitcher, designer. Seven are under-graduates and one a grad-
uate of Tufts College, one an under-graduate of Harvard and one of
Yale. Ninety are single, seven married, and three " engaged." Thirty-
three are Unitarians, thirty Universalists, thirteen Orthodox, ten Bap-
tists, three Episcopalians, two Swedenborgians, one Presbyterian, one
Methodist, four undecided. Five are church communicants.

Sixty-one are Republicans, and seven ask to be recorded as Aboli-
tionists. The whole sixty-one sustain the emancipation proclamation.
There is one " conservative" Republican, thirteen " Union " men, four
Douglas Democrats, nine Democrats, and two undecided.

Forty-two do not drink distilled liquors, fifty-five do. The oldest
man is aged thirty-three, the youngest eighteen. The average age is
twenty-two and two ninety-sevenths. The average height, in shoes, is
five feet nine and one-half inches. The tallest man is six feet one inch
high ; the shortest man five feet three inches. The heaviest man weighs

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 27

one hundred and eighty-four pounds; the lightest one hundred and
fifteen. The average weight is one hundred and forty-two-ninety-
sevenths pounds.

In Barracks at Readville,

Saturday, Oct. 18, 1862.

I

When in my last I made allusion to our company dog Romeo and
his feline companion, we could not foresee the sad and sudden rupture
of all the relations between us. On Sunday a fiat from headquarters
sent Romeo out of camp ; the succeeding night pussy departed this
life. Did she die of grief at the loss of Romeo? No one can say;
but general opinion inclines to catalepsy. Her little stiffened body
was encoffined in a paper box, and placed in the centre of the barrack.
A small American flag was thrown over it, and the boys gathering
about the remains sung Pleyel's Hymn with an appearance of solem-
nity that was altogether irresistible. The remains were then carefully
placed upon an extemporized bier, and borne to the rear of the kitchen
in the midst of a formidable guard of honor, marching with arms
reversed, and chanting doleful symphonies. The weeping skies were
in sympathy with the occasion ; and the clouds Avere soon shedding tears
upon the turf imprisoning the pet of the barrack. Imaginary voUies
w'ere fired, but all was not over. The funeral party had no sooner
returned to the barrack than rumors of foul play began to circulate.
A horrid secret was believed to be involved in the death of the cat.
Suspicion fell upon a man whose bunk she had lately occupied, and
who had been heard to utter threats against pussy for certain alleged
rank offenses. The suspected party was arrested, a court organized,
the defendant tried, convicted, and sentenced to subsist two days upon
the rations. The unhappy man, anticipating his fate, made .three
desperate attempts to escape, but was foiled in each instance, and
forced to submit to the decree of justice.

A large number of the regiment have submitted to vaccination.
"Corporal" desires to acknowledge the neat and thorough manner in
which our assistant surgeon. Dr. Fisher, performed the operation.
As the necessity of severe sanitary discipline is becoming apparent to
all, the fidelity of Dr. Ware and his assistant are regarded with more
favor than at first.

The close resemblance between the life of a soldier in barrack and
that of a State Prison convict, regarded in certain outward aspects,

28 LETTERS FROM THE

affords mingled amusement and disgust. "We go for our rations in
single file, and with tin mugs and plates. The intercourse between
officers and subordinates is scarcely less reserved ; and the punishment
for small offenses scarcely less severe with the soldier than the prisoner.
On inspection days we stand up like well-burnished automata, and
are as sensitive to praise or censure regarding the condition of our
quarters, guns, &c., as so many children. At our meals and in our
bunks we are stared at by visitors just as I remember to have stared
at the happy family of " Honorable Gideon Haynes," at Charlestown,
on various occasions. When impelled by "sanitary reasons," our
keen-eyed surgeons pass through the barracks to see that nothing
contraband nestles in the bunks, that the blankets and overcoats are
accurately folded, and that only a certain amount of clothing and bag-
gage per man is retained, we stand about and gaze at them just as
your readers will remember they were gazed at by the inmates of the
House of Correction which they visited not long ago. On these occa-
sions your coiTespondent amuses himself by imaginatively regarding
private A., with wild hair, as a desperate burglar; private B., of retiring
manners, as an incorrigible thief; private L., the gay Lothario, as a
heartless deceiver and bigamist; hirsute private T., smoking the inevi-
table briarwood, as a notorious but chivalric foot-pad; privates F., S.,
&c., of auburn hair, as the persistent incendiaries; and so on.

More princely donations have been made to some of the companies
of the 44th regiment. To Co. C, Captain Richardson, Wm. Cumston,
Esq., of the firm of Hallett & Cumston, has presented a check for five
hundred dollars.

To the same company donations amounting to three hundred dollars,
for the purchase of the improved knapsack, have been made by the
following gentlemen :

J. M. Beebe & Co., F. Skinner & Co., Alexander Beal, C. W. Cart-
wright, W. P. Sargent, J. R. Tibbets, Read, Gardner & Co., Wilkinson,
Stetson & Co., J. C. Converse & Co., E. & F. King & Co., Horatio
Harris, Gorham Rogers.

To Co, H, Captain Smith, C. F. Hovey & Co. have presented a full
set of the patent knapsacks. Co. K, Captain Reynolds, have been
favored in the same way by a number of friends of that company, and
Captain Reynolds has received from the men of his company the gift
of a splendid sword. Co. F, Captain Storrow, have received the
present of a set of patent knapsacks. The generous donor is too
modest to let his name be known, but it is surmised that a young
corporal of Co. F knows all about it.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 29

The wife of Col. Lee has kindly remembered each soldier of the
regiment by the gift of a little testimonial card, upon one side of which
is printed the Old Hundreth Psalm, and upon the other the name of
the recipient written in a neat hand.

On Wednesday we were visited by Governor Andrew and his military
family. We received His P^xcellency with all the honors, and then
marched in review. It is believed that better marching and wheelings
than those exhibited by the 44th regiment on this occasion have rarelv
been witnessed by Governor Andrew or any other Governor.

I believe the Governor was accompanied by some members of the
Sanitary Commission ; but the investigations of that body of gentle-
men were nearly confined to the cuisine at headquarters. They cer-
tainly couldn't be expected to labor upon empty stomachs ; but when
they had satisfied their hunger, it was too late to see the barracks by
day-light. We shall accept the omission as a mark of confidence in
the cleanliness and good order of this regiment.

We have had a good share of dismal weather the past week, and
have not been allowed the consolation of smoking in the barracks :
but the boys have managed to keep the blue devils at bay with mock
parades and shows of great eff'ectiveness. One day the camp was
electrified by the appearance of an exceedingly well got up elephant,
not unprovided with a tail, and waving a trunk of twisted shoddy.
Another day we were visited by citizens of Brobdignag, ten feet hio-h
in their stockings.

Yesterday we made a march of twelve miles through West Roxburv
and Dedham. On the way we caught a dim and fleeting glimpse of
dear old Boston rising beyond a succession of tree-crowned hills.
I remember the scene as a beautiful phantasmagoria, such as will come
to us in dreams while we encamp upon Southern soil. The march was
less delightful than that to Milton Hill. The day was murky, and the
air lifeless. There was little to impart zest to the exercise. Sunlio-ht
is as important for out-door physical enjoyment as fresh air, and a
soldier makes a mistake in choosing a cloudy day for a march.

We now expect to remain at Readville till the close of the war,
except in case Readville is invaded by the enemy, when we shall make
a masterly retreat to Mill Village.

To protect us against the strong winds of the inclement season
approaching, as well as to impart an air of sylvan beauty to the camp,
a dense grove of pine saplings has been planted a little to the South
of the barracks. Great praise is due to Lieut, Stebbins, our unwearied

30 LETTERS FROM THE

chief of police this week, for the well-considered arrangenient of this
great work.

In the Cars, Wednesday Morning, )
Oct. 22, 1862. j

I have just time during our run into Boston this morning to say
"good bye" to your readers until we arrive at Newbern, N. C. After
seven weeks and a half of barrack life at Readville, we at last find
ourselves en route for Dixie. To the experience of these seven weeks
and a half we shall doubtless many times revert as the poetry of our
military ex2:)erience. There was no little heart in the cheers we gave
for the "old camp" as we stood for the last time in the company
streets. The old camp at Readville is fraught with pleasant memories
of soldierly discipline, of the faithfulness and kindness of our officers,
of genial companionship, and a thousand incommunicable pleasures
of social life, multiplied and enhanced by the visits and offerings of
hosts of friends from Boston and elsewhere.

At our dress parades last evening, after devotional services, our
Colonel met a response in the heart of every man in his regiment when
he called for three times three for the "good old State and the dear
ones we leave behind us." The cheers were given with emphasis; and
so were nine others for Col. Lee. " Boys," said the Colonel in response,
I know you meant those cheers for all your officers. Whatever may be
your fortune hereafter, rest assured w^e shall stand by you. Let us all
perform our duty to the State and the United States, and may God
help us all ! " The emotion exhibited by Col. Lee was communicated
through the regiment, and there were many wet eyes among soldiers
and spectators as we marched back to the barracks.

As soon as practicable, I shall resume this correspondence, confi-
dent that it will find readers among the many friends of the 44th
in Boston.

On Board Transport Steamer Merrimac, )

Oct. 23, 1862. )
We lay olf Deer Island the night of our embarkation, (last night)
and about six o'clock this morning weighed anchor. It was pleasant to
sleep one night more so near to dear old Boston, where we knew so
many hearts were throbbing at the thought of us. The thousands of
lights which came to us in a semi-circle from over the water, seemed

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 31

like the steady beaming of so manj' loving eyes, and may be our dreams
were the sweeter for the fancy. Don't imagine, however, that we all
slept as quietly as we did in those luxurious bunks at Eeadville. The
44th Regiment occupies the lower deck of the Merrimac, and has
already had a decided flavor of life in the steerage. Here we are, " the
flower" (or flour) " of the youth of Boston," {vide Boston Journal of
October 23,) packed like so many herrings in the steerage. Our bunks
are not half as good as those at Beadville, and, sad to say, we haven't
enough even of these. They afftird us little more than space enough
in which to turn over. Here and there we are afforded a small glim-
mer of light from the deck, and a little fresh air by devious channels.
Into the bunk of your correspondent it happens to come in an unpleas-
antly strong current, as if to rebuke his former passionate professions
of love for fresh air under more favorable circumstances, or as a piece
of retributive justice for opening doors and windows against the pro-
tests of tender comrades.

The five hundred men of the Third Regiment who accompany us,
and who are known by their black overcoats as the " men in mourning,"
are better commoded between decks, one story above us. They will
do, hnt as for ourselves, as we lie stretched out here in this dark, rep-
tile sort of existence, we are fain to ask ourselves if we are reall}^ intel-
ligent beings with souls; if the " flower " has really come to this; if
the " pet of many a household," {vide Boston Transcript of Oct. 22)
has really been reduced to treatment no better than that of the poorest
emigrant. But we ought not to grumble while scores of our regiment
are obliged to stretch themselves upon the cold deck, upon the hatches,
passage ways, &c. ; and we do not grumble. Your correspondent only
gives facts. He, like many others, expected to " rough it," and rather
likes it.

Our breakfast this morning was a mug of very muddy coffee, and a
piece of bread. For dinner we were afforded boiled beef and potatoes
and coffee, but no bread. We could get along better with this but for
occasional tantalizing sights and smells of poultry and puddings and
garden vegetables which grace the cabin tables. Our officers confess
that they live like fighting cocks, but they should have the credit of sin-
cerely commiserating our unavoidable treatment. 0, genial-hearted
lobster-man of the rubicund face and Pickwickian aspect, who rose to
bless us in Commercial street, could you but waft us one fish fi'om your
shelly store, we know how much good it would do you and us ; but to-
night, alas, we were forced to sup on bread and water, with a dessert of

32 LETTERS FROM THE

aggravating conversation about porter house steaks, cold chicken, warm
biscuit, etc., etc. If we live we will have our revenge some day at
Parker's goodly hostelry.

Friday, Oct. 24.

It is said that we made sixteen miles an hour last night, running
ninety-six miles in six hours. We have passed Montauk Light, and at
this writing (between eight and nine o'clock) we are supposed to be
somewhere off the Jersey shore. Our consort, the Mississippi, has
been in sight over our starboard quarter all the morning. Thus far the
weather has been extremely favorable, but we have not all escaped the
misery of sea-sickness — a malady which must have been aggravated by
our close, ill- ventilated quarters, and the unavoidable filth attending the
herdino- together of fifteen himdred men on shipboard. Scarcely a
breath of air was stirring last night, and very little came down to our
bunks. After remaining on deck a few moments this morning, an at-
tempt to penetrate to our quarters induced a nausea which we found
impossible to endure, and so we incontinently rushed upon deck to
swallow our rations, without the intervention of spoon or plate. We
were first served to a large piece of bread and a mug of coiFee, and
then to parboiled rice, which rattled upon our plates. 0, Readville
rations, bad as you might have been, may the tongue that utters aught
against you cleave to the roof of the slanderer's mouth. It is expected
we are to have beef for dinner, as several noble quarters were not long
since dragged along close by the rear of the horses' stalls, on their way
to the boilers, where they were set to cooking without washing.

We wish our friends could see us at meal times. We are a study
for an artist at those interesting periods. We are obliged to eat on the
upper deck. One fellow is seen burying his nose in a loaf of bread,
another gnaws a beef bone until his face is resplendant with grease ;
but the colored boy of the color company, making his dinner from a
mass of fat and gristle, is the observed of all observers. His face
shines like varnished ebony, but he is still intent upon his greasy repast,
and oblivious to the smiles and jeers of the amused spectators who sur-
round him. Feed away, juvenile Ethiop, woolly headed Mark Tapley,
may nothing come between you and jolliness forever.

This afternoon we were signalled by the Mississippi, when she came
up to within hailing distance. Hearty cheers were exchanged between
the swarms on the decks of either steamer. We were glad to notice on
board the Mississippi one lieutenant and a number of non-coms, whom
the Merrimac had unfortunately left behind. As night shuts in we are

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOIRTH REGIMENT. 33

supposed to be off Fortress jMonroe. "We have a balmy atmosphere
and a brisk wind from the west. Hundreds of the boys have stretched
themselves for sleep upon the upper deck.

SATirRDAY, Oct. 25.

This morning we are supposed to be steaming along between Fort-
ress Monroe and Cape Hatteras. The sea is smooth, and the genial
breath of the South is upon us. We feel as if Spring-time had come
upon us suddenly, and those not afflicted with sea-sickness feel good
this morning. The Mississippi is just ahead of us.

On board these two steamers are three thousand soldiers with arms
and accoutrements. We are the same as defenceless. From our vast
navy of war vessels not even one little gunboat has been spared to
escort us to our destination, and this in the face and eyes of the fact
that a number of formidable rebel privateers are scouring the seas and
scattering destruction in their path. Is there any apology for such risk
and negligence r We cannot see it.

As the weather becomes soft, genial and glorious upon deck, our
situation below grows more intolerable. It is almost impossible to
exaggerate the uncomfortable, unhealthy character of our quarters upon
the lower deck. A prison dungeon is not worse supplied with air and
sunlight ; and to make matters still worse, the ship has but a miserable
supply of lanterns at night. It is to be acknowledged that there are a
few feeble devices for sending air below, but they are altogether inade-
quate. With the splendid machinery on board this steamer, it would
be an easy matter by the use of fans to thoroughly ventilate every por-
tion of the ship. In the course of another century, ship-builders will
learn, as house-builders are now learning, that means must be employed
for the introduction of a plenty of fresh air into all structures where
men are herded together. We cannot be too thankful that the weather
has been so favorable since we left Boston. A thousand sick men in
such quarters as these woidd have made a hell afloat. Noav I would
like to speak a good word for the ship. She is staunch, steady, swift
and well officered. She has carried twenty-three hundred men, but
only a thousand and comfort can dwell together upon her decks. The
few who get a chance to wash their hands and faces are obliged to do
so in salt water. It is reported that Capt. Sampson was quite thunder-
struck by a request of our officers that he would afford us means of
daily ablutions, and that he remarked we were the first regiment he
ever carried who had expressed a desire to wash their hands and faces.

Our " holy fi-iars," the black-coated men of the 3d regiment, appear

34 LETTERS FROM THE

to be a good set of fellows, and we all get along most amicably
together. Col. Richmond and Major Morrissey accompany this half of
the regiment.

We have been thoughtfully regaled Avith an apple apiece a day, and
they have proved wonderfully refreshing, especially as we are allowed
but two meals a day on shipboard. Now, when we most need a sutler,
no sutler is to be seen, although at rare intervals we can buy hard
apples at five cents apiece, and cake at fifty cents a pound. Last even-
ing Co. F were regaled with a dish of tea by some Grood Samaritan,
said to be Capt. Storrow, who is highly praised for his careful attention
to the men of his command. I wish to bear similar testimony in behalf
of the officers of Co. D, Capt. Sullivan and Lieuts. Blake and Stebbins.

I wish my fun-loving readers could have stood at the hatchway
between decks this morning, and seen the soldiers slide down the slip-
pery stairs. Some carried mugs of coffee with no other apparent
object than to pour the beverage upon the heads and shoulders of
those who preceded them. The libation was not greatly enjoyed ex-
cept by a crowd of spectators at the foot of the stairs, who hailed every
accident and discomfiture of the sort with shouts of laughter.

Sunday Mokning, Oct. 26.

At 9 o'clock this morning we are in near view of the North Carolina
coast, and doubtless very near Beaufort. Last night, like all the
weather during the voyage, was delightful, and the long upper deck
was literally packed with sleepers lying at every possible angle and
posture, with arms and legs aff"ectionately crossed and interlocked.
The general health of the men remains excellent.

Eleven o'clock finds us at the wharf at Morehead City, near Beau-
fort, and making preparations for a speedy landing in the midst of a
drizzling rain.

This letter is written without conveniences, and under the most mis-
erable and disagreeable circumstances.

We are soon to take the cars for Newbern. You will hear from me
there.

Newbern, N. C, Oct. 26, 1862.

When we stepped from the decks of the ^lerrimac we were provided

with shelter from a di'izzling rain in the depot of the railroad connecting

Morehead with Newbern ; and while there we made the structure ring

with patriotic and devotional songs — our first salute to Dixie. We were

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIME^•T. 35

conveyed from 3Iorehead to Newbeni on platform cars, and were, of
course, entirely exposed to the weather. We had scarcely got under
way before there set in a violent rain, which continued almost without
intermission until our arrival at Newbern. Our garments, of course,
were thoroughly drenched, but, nevertheless, the trip was highly en-
joyed. The mild and invigoring pine breezes of the old North State
contrasted so deliciously Avith the foetid atmosphere and filth of the
steamer, that even a drenching rain was insufficient to quench our ex-
hilaration of spirits. A more miserable and worthless tract of country
than the barren pine region which we traversed cannot well be imagined,
so that under all the circumstances of the trip, our lively frame of mind
may be regarded as quite ^lark Tapleyish. Pickets from the Massa-
chusetts 27th regiment were scattered along the road at frequent
intervals. We cheered them, and they cheered us. Some of them
were sheltered by tents, others in cabins, and some in substantial log
structures calculated for defence. Occasional negro villages, and scat-
tering negro huts were objects of lively interest. All hands turned
out to see us as we shot past. The men showed their entire ivory, and
the women threw their black arms up and down in the most vehement
approbation. We also witnessed several good specimens of the real
Southern "white trash." The country is well calculated to develop
this species of the genus homo. The women are the most doleful and
disgusting looking of their sex. We suspected all of them of looking
secesh daggers at us. A few did cheer us on after a fashion, waving
their arms up and down — a sort of melancholy G-od-speed. We doubt
if they possessed a solitary white handkerchief, or any other white tex-
tile fabric proper to be displayed on such occasions. We once stopped
to water the iron horse close by a field of sweet potatoes growing within
some rebel breastworks erected to command the railroad. The propri-
etor of the potato patch came forth with his wife and children and pre-
sented us several handsftd of the vegetables, for which they were
rewarded with vociferous cheers as the train rolled on.

At dusk we crossed the river Neuse, and found ourselves in the pretty
little city of Newbern, where, as may be guessed, we received a hearty
welcome from the Massachusetts men stationed at this place. Our
friends, the contrabands, were not the least enthusiastic of those who
welcomed us. We were quartered for the night in a spacious machine
shop, well lighted with gas. We have just supped upon hard bread
and codfish broiled upon a forge. An attempt was made to supply us
with coffee, but it miserably failed, and your correspondent is one of a

36 LETTERS FROM THE

respectable number who go to bed without the soldier's chiefest bodily
consolation. As he closes his record of the day the air in the machine
shop is thick with hard bread and flying codfish sent from invisible
hands.

October 27, 1862.

Our men are scattered about town this morning, luxuriating upon
such breakfasts as can be purchased with money. They are constantly
coming in with beaming faces and tantalizing narrations of what they
got to eat. Your correspondent only strayed a few steps from the en-
gine house before he found a little cabin where a neat colored woman
served him with two kinds of hoe-cake, roasted sweet potatoes, and
sage tea.

We have not been in Newbern long enough to give you much news.
Barracks are erecting here, it is reported, for fifteen thousand soldiers.
Ours are not yet completed. Among the regiments at Newbern and
vicinity are the Massachusetts 17th, 23d, 24th, 25th, 27th, and 44th.
The 3d and 5th which were detained at Morehead City by the ground-
ing of the Mississippi, will probably arrive here to-day.

Newbkkn, N. C, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1862.
We are encamped upon the western bank of the river Neuse, about
one-third of a mile to the north of the city of Newbern. Monday
night most of the regiment passed in tents, a few rods from here. Yes-
terday we were industriously employed in ditching and smoothing the
ground around our cloth-houses, laying floors, constructing fire places and
chimneys, and had just got things in the most satisfactory condition, when
Company D was ordered to strike tents and go into the half-completed
barrack which we now occupy conjointly with the carpenters and a great
quantity of loose lumber. In a very short time all our companies will
be comfortably housed, unless unexpected orders intervene. The bar-
racks of each regiment are continuous — occupying one long building.
They are provided with windows and more commodious bunks than
those at Readville. Our easterly windows look out upon the Neuse.
On the other side the barrack is shaded with cedar trees. To the west
of us is encamped the Connecticut Tenth Regiment, a Rhode Island
Battery, and the New York Third Artillery Regiment. A New York
cavalry regiment is also encamped in the vicinity. These are all addi-
tional to the troops in this department mentioned in my last letter.

MASSAC'Iir SETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMEJsT. 37

The Connecticut Tenth, although nuicli reducetl in numbers and effec-
tiveness, has greatly surprised us new comers by the excellency of their
manual drill. It is almost equal to that of the Chicago Zouaves.

The men of the old regiments at Xewbern are not inclined to regard
the nine months' men with much favor, and indulge in a good many
taunts having reference to bounty money and good clothes. They take
great pleasure in assuring us that General Foster proposes to give us a
fall nine months' xvork, and that we need not expect to escape the
warmest part of the business before us. They are considerably dis-
gusted with our unveteran-like ways, and furnish us with innumerable
suggestions. The bugles, numbers, &c., upon our caps, they regard as
vanity. They allow no " cullured pusson " to wear Uncle Sam's but-
tons, and it is now rumored that those of our boys who shall appear in
the streets of Newbern with " infantry" buttons will find themselves
suddenly minus those articles. The soldier who returns the salute of a
negro is set down as a transgressor of military etiquette, and privates
who salute each other are laughed at.

The remarks of one of our boys that " there is nothing but niggers
and soldiers in Newbern," well describes the impression of your cor-
respondent. Most of the resident secesh skedaddled long ago, and as
others become unearthed, and refuse to take the oath, they are con-
veyed beyond the Union lines. Many white residents, professedly
Union, are believed to be playing possum.

The first night we spent in Newbern is said to have been the coldest
of the season up to that time. Monday night and Tuesday morning
also seemed very much like late October days in New England, and
required about the same number of woollen blankets and overcoats as
are requisite at home now-a-days. We are cautioned to be out but lit-
tle in the evening, and to wear overcoats after five o'clock. We are
also very earnestly cautioned to drink but little water, and to eat spar-
ingly of negro " chicken fixins " in the shape of sweet potatoes, pies
and cakes, which contrabands bring into camp in great profusion.

We are no sooner comfortably settled in barracks than word comes
to us of an immediate march into the interior of the State, perhaps to
Kinston, perhaps to Swansbororough, which are in possession of the
rebels. At all events we are doubtless bound to extend our lines, and
we now have the troops to do it with, although we scarcely expected
that General Foster Avould put us in motion quite so speedily as this.

The health of the regiment is excellent, everything considered.

Lieutenant Blake, of Company D, has been detailed to act upon the

38 LETTERS FROM THE

staif of Colonel Stevenson, commanding our brigade. We thus lose
an invaluable officer from our company. Lieutenant Stebbins, who
succeeds Lieut. Blake, is one of the most faithful and considerate of-
ficers in the regiment, and will make the place of Lieutenant Blake
good.

Washington, N. C, Oct. 31, 1862.

As remarked in my last letter from Newbern, we had no sooner got
comfortably ensconced in our splendid new barracks than we received
orders to join one of the largest military expeditions which has been
knoAvn in North Carolina for many a day. The expedition consists of
nearly all the available force at Newbern and vicinity, infantry, artil-
lery and cavalry, and cannot fall nmch below ten thousand men, most
of whom left Newbern early yesterday morning, on board steam trans-
ports, and schooners propelled by tugs, under the command of Major-
General Foster.

We were in what is called light marching order ; but our two blankets,
haversacks containing three days' rations of hard bread, beef, coffee
and sugar, canteens, equipments and rifles, made up a very considera-
ble load.

After about thirty hours of slow steaming down the Neuse, through
Pamlico Sound and up the Tar river, we disembarked at Washington,
one of the bastard " cities " of North Carolina. A journey more tame
in its surroundings can scarcely be imagined. The shores of the two
rivers present an almost unbroken level ; and the monotony of a stunted
growth of trees is barely interrupted by the habitations of man. In
places the trees have a beautiful coloring, which reminded us of the
October woods in New England, and there is a sort of lonesome gran-
deur in the broad streams themselves.

Washington looks like Newbern. Some of the streets are prettily
shaded, and there are a few elegant residences. At a window of one
of the latter we espied a pretty young white woman playing a piano.
Besides these, having been here only a couple of hours or so, I saw
little but " niggers and soldiers," a phrase which also describes New-
bern. We were marched through the town into a breezy field on the
shore of the Tar river, where we stacked arms, made fires, and boiled
our cofi"ee. Finding ourselves in the vicinity of a row of negro shan-
ties, the board fences surrounding them were soon converted into fuel
and shelter. The shanties were then besieged by our hungry boys, and

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 39

the black "aunties" and their daughters were soon driving a good
business in supplying the soldiers with hoe-cake.

The vociferous demands of the boys to be supplied in their turn were
quite confusing to the accommodating cooks, who mixed their meal and
water and transferred it to iron pans with the rapidity of experts in the
business. Each fire-place was surrounded by hungry expectants, some
of whom, to make sure of their cakes, drew their initials in the yield-
ing dough, and then stood by like watch-dogs until the tempting morsel
was browned and "• soaked" to the point of perfection. " Soaked" is
a word of the cook, and describes the finishing process. The venera-
ble proprietor of one of the shanties remarked that he was glad to see
the Yankees, but this was the second time they had torn down his fence.

Washington is reputed to be a " Union city." In the language of
one of the inhabitants, " There was a right smart of Union here before
the proclamation, but now it is the other way." It's of no conse-
quence, as Toots says. The North Carolina First Regiment is here.

EvEXixG. — We bivouac to-night upon the northerly shore of the
Tar Eiver. The field is covered with extemporized shelters of rude
but ingenious construction, and are supplied with generous beds of corn-
husks. Some sugar-box shooks in the vicinity have been levied upon,
and some of the boys are literally boxing themselves up. Others have
stretched their rubber blankets for shelter. Some have constructed
shanties of boards. Our woollen blankets have been voted an incum-
brance, and are packed away. For the lively work now in prospect we
must per force carry lighter loads than we brought from Newbern ; and
although we shall miss the blankets o' nights, we shall miss them more
upon our wearisome marches when every ounce weighs a pound.

I cannot tell you what we are going to do. There is supposed to
be work enough, especially as it is reported that fifteen thousand rebel
troops are in North Carolina, and some of them at no great distance
from this point. We may next be heard from at Kinston or Williams-
ton.

Ox Board Transport Steamer Gteo. Collins, \
From Plymouth to Newbebn, N. C. !•

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1862. j
Your correspondent finds himself one of a large expeditionary corps
en route back to Newbern, after one of the longest and severest
marches in the history of the present war. Since the date of my last,

40 LETTERS FROM THE

which was written at Washington, at the head of Pamlico Sound, the
Vegiment has led rather an active and stirring life for a regiment only
about sixty days old. We left Washington early Sunday morning,
Nov. 2d, marching northward that day nearly twenty miles, with noth-
ing to break the monotony save a light brush with the enemy's picket
a few miles out of town. We bagged one or two of their horses, and
soon passed their bivouac, where a rebel blanket and some other arti-
cles were burning. Here the road forked, and upon the left the smoke
of a burning bridge showed that the rebels were making good their
escape. At noon we halted near the plantation of a decently to-do
farmer. A son of the farmer was observed to wear rebel buttons, and
he was taken prisoner. There was then little doubt as to the rebel
proclivities of the old man (a good tow-headed, blear-eyed specimen of
white trash,) whose premises were pretty thoroughly searched for the
means of providing dinner and other refreshments. Sweet potatoes,
apple brandy, honey, &c., helped the boys' rations amazingly, and
these delicacies were relished the more because they were taken along
with several rebel weapons of death. The female portion of the family
sat upon the piazza and gazed upon the soldiers with a sort of stolid
fear depicted upon their faces. They were tolerably good looking, and
one of them wore a quiet, venerable aspect, which moved our respect
and sympathy. At dusk we stirred up a secesh hornets' nest, and a
lively battle of musketry was heard in front. As we hurried forward
Gen. Foster sat with his staif at a bend in the road, and smilingly in-
formed us that there were " only seven or eight hundred of them."
Just before this our two right flank companies, H and C, Capts. Smith
and Lombard, were detached from the regiment and sent forward as
skirmishers.

Proceeding by the road they descended a hill and entered a piece of
woods through which ran a considerable stream of water. They had
no sooner entered the water at the fording-place than they were fired
upon by a considerable force of rebel infantry in ambuscade ; but our
men bravely stood their ground, and replied promptly to the fire.
After a few rounds, the guns and ammunition became useless from wet-
ting, when companies H and C were withdrawn, although not until they
had crossed the ford. Companies E and I, Captains Spencer Richardson
and Kendall, were sent forward. Company I was held in reserve, while
E succeeded in passing the ford and ascended to the summit of a hill
on the opposite side, but not without brisk skirmishing, receiving and
returning several voUeys, and capturing three prisoners. One of these

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 41

•was taken by private Micliaol Parsons under circumstances so creditable
to his pluck that Parsons was promoted to a sergeantcy.

After Company E, the stream was crossed by the Connecticut lOth
regiment, Colonel Pettiborn. The ford being thus thoroughly com-
manded, word was sent to the rear, and the entire column moved
forward, the 44th regiment passing the Connecticut 10th, thus giving
to the 3Iassachusetts 44th the honor of the next advance. Having at-
tained the summit of the hill previously occupied by Company E, the
44th deployed on either side of the road, and allowed the Massachu-
setts 24th to pass to the front. The advance was again resumed, and
we entered a piece of dense woods. Here we felt our way cautiously,
once halting for a considerable space of time. The moon shone brightly,
scattering the light through the scarcely monng branches. The voices
of birds and the hum of insects filled the air with tones eloquent of
summer at the North. The Avorld looked too beautiful for strife and
slaughter. Here we sunk down upon the ground, almost over-
come by the fatigue of a day's severe march, and were with diffi-
culty restrained from falling into a deep sleep. AVe were soon aroused
by the order to advance, and proceeded cautiously about half a mile
farther, the road skirting, for a portion of the distance, an open field on
our left. Just at the extremity of this field we were again fired upon
from the hedge. This hazardous kind of advancing was then wisely
abandoned, and the column filed into the field, under the cover of
Belger's splendid artillery, which having assumed a commanding posi-
tion, shelled the rebel ambuscade in magnificent style. Sweeter music
than the music of those spheres, whistling their way into the nest of
cowardly traitors, never fell upon mortal ears. From our observation
of the rapid and well-directed fire, we were not surprised to hear, as we
did subsequently, that many a rebel bit the dust on the morning of the
third of November, at "Chopper's Creek, near Rawle's Mill," which
will stand for the name of this afi"air.

At the ford the casualities of the 44th consisted of the following :

Company E. Killed — Charles Morse. Wounded — Charles E.
Roberts.

Company C. Killed — Charles Rollins. Slightly wounded — Ser-
geant Pond, William A. Smallidge. Lieutenant Briggs was moment-
arily stunned by the near passing of a projectile, but speedily recovered.

Company H. Killed — none. Wounded — Richard V. Depeyster,
left arm amputated ; Jacobs, of South Scituate, in the back (severe) ;
Harrison Parker, 2d, in right arm (slightly).

42 LETTERS FROM THE

At the place where we wore hist fired on, Lieutenant Stebbins, of
Company D, while assisting in rallying the men of his company, was
slightly wounded in one of his legs, and had his garments perforated
in several places.

It is doubtful if the history of the war furnishes an instance where a
skirmish with the enemy has occurred under circumstances more trying
to the Union troops, or better calculated to test their moral endurance
and pluck. A regiment only sixty days old altogether, without expe-
rience in battle, was called upon at the close of a day's severe march
to encounter a deadly foe in ambuscade, upon ground of their own se-
lection, at a long, deep ford, and in dense, dark woods ; but I am
happy to record the testimony of all observers that the officers and men
of the 44th Regiment exhibited a gallantry and fearlessness befitting
veterans themselves, and sufficient to gain expressions of admiration
from the old regiments in the expedition, who had previously regarded
us with, to draw it mildly, an over-critical eye, regarding us as more
ornamental than useful.

Some of the last companies of the 44th to cross the ford were for
several minutes under the fire of two rebel cannon planted on an
eminence to our right. Grape and shell fell on either side of us in a
lively manner, but, most fortunately, without injury to us. Before
entering the ford a shower of bullets passed close over our heads as we
lay in the road. Our recumbent position at this point, as well as at
the last place of attack, doubtless saved us from considerable loss of
life.

It was two hours past midnight before we received orders to bivouac,
when we sunk down and slept upon our arms in the open air. It was a
cold, damp night, and after a few hours' sleep, we awoke wet, cold and
stifi", the combined effects of half an hour's bath in the stream the pre-
vious night, a heavy North Carolina dew, and the fatigue of the former
day's march. When we opened our eyes we discovered that the field
was traversed by a formidable rebel earthwork, of which our rapid ad-
vance had prevented the completion.

At an early hour Monday morning the column resumed its forward
movement, and reached Williamston, a pretty town on the Roanoke
river, where we were glad to find several of our gunboats and a lot of
extra rations for our troops. Here we rested, foraged, dined and made
ourselves extremely comfortable for a couple of hours or so. The
white residents had skedaddled, and we entered into possession of their
horses, nuiles, wagons, pigs, poultry and honey. From Williamston

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGOIENT. 43

we advanced about five miles and bivonaced in a cornfield. On our
route thither we were delayed two hours by the destruction of a bridge.
Tuesday we dined at Hamilton, another town on the Eoanoke, about
the size of Williamston, where we again fared luxuriously upon the
products of the country. In the evening we advanced beyond Hamil-
ton about three miles, and encamped again in a corn-field. I regret to
say that we left Hamilton by the light of several burning houses, which
were said to have been fired by some soldiers in retaliation for the
shooting of a Union soldier by a rebel picket near the town. The firing
of the buildings was generally condemned as unnecessary and out-
rageous.

Wednesday, after a further advance of about a dozen miles, we halt-
ed for dinner upon the road to Tarboro'. After dinner we retraced
our steps a couple of miles, and took a road to the right in the direction
of Halifax, which we pursued until midnight through a miserable
swampy territory before we found a place fit for an encampment.
Here we bivoviaced in rain and mud within six or seven miles of
Tarboro', a reputed rebel stronghold having railroad communication
with Weldon and Richmond. When we arose Thursday morning we
were confidently expecting to march upon Tarboro', and were not a
little surprised to find ourselves turning backward. Then came rumors
thick and fast of a largely augmented rebel force at Tarboro', and of a
design to cut off" our retreat at the swamp in the event of our retreat.

When the columns changed roads on Wednesday, two companies of
our regiment, A and Gr, Captains James Eichardson and Hunt, together
with two pieces of cannon and a small force of cavalry, all under the
command of the Major of the New York 3d cavalry, were sent forward
upon the direct route for the purpose, as it is supposed, of diverting the
attention of the rebels from a proposed attack in the rear. The plan,
however, if such was the plan, did not succeed. The little force soon
found itself opposed to a formidable enemy in ambuscade, and after a
somewhat brisk skirmish, in which one of our mounted pickets was
killed, concluded it would be wise to rejoin our main force, which they
did the next morning at day-light, at our encampment, after a forced
and very fatiguing march, and, for a portion of the distance, upon the
double quick.

Whatever may have been the truth regarding the rebel force in our
vicinity, certain it is that we made a very rapid march back to Hamilton
— a march which tested the endurance of our troops in no small degree
— the more because of the uncomfortable weather and muddy condition

44 LETTERS FROM THE

of the roads. Never was the sheUer of real houses more welcome than
to our jaded troops when they arrived at Hamilton on Thursday night.
We entered into possession of the deserted buildings, and were soon
basking in the genial warmth streaming from a hundred fire-places —
a warmth mingled with the savory odors of cooking meats and vegeta-
bles. Some of the companies fell upon quarters almost luxurious. All
were thankful for any kind of shelter. In the morning we were a little
surprised to find the ground white with snow, and conjectured that the
" Sunny South" was ahead of Masachusetts in that particular, for once.

On Friday we marched to Williamston, where we tarried until Sun-
day morning, and recruited our strength by rest and comfortable fare.
Here we hoped to take transports for Newbern, but were destined for
one more day's march, and Sunday night we encamped near Plymouth,
after a quick march of nearly twenty miles. Monday noon we embark-
ed for Newbern on board this steamer, having in tow a schooner with a
portion of the regiment. We are in a gratified frame of mind. Why
should we not be ? We have succeeded in effecting a march of fuU one
hundred miles through the enemy's country ; we have been under fire,
and are said to have stood it in a creditable manner; the endurance of
our troops has been tested as it never was before by the troops in North
Carolina, and a green regiment has been found as capable of performing
a severe march as the veterans of Roanoke and Newbern. In fact few-
er men of the 44th fell out of the ranks from fatigue than those of any
other regiment in the three brigades composing the expedition. It
must be confessed, however, that the old regiments do not give us any
extra credit for this endurance, but say we oagld to march well, coming
as we do so recently from home, in good health, and before we have
been subjected to the hardships and sickness incident to the soldier.
There is, no doubt, much truth in this ; but it is almost a question
whether our advantages of condition are not offset by the seasoning and
experience of men a year in the field before us. Moreover, and chiefly,
we have reason to feel satisfied with the expedition, forasmuch as Gen.
Foster says its object was accomplished. What that object was is not
well known at this writing ; but it may have been the diversion of rebel
troops from Weldon, or Eichuiond, to aid Greneral Dix on the one hand,
or General ^IcClellan on the other. We certainly succeeded in clean-
ing the rebel troops out of a large part of North Carolina, and in giving
them a terrible scare.

Our impressions of North Carolina have not been rendered more fa-
vorable by a more thorough acquaintance. Most of the territory we

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 45

traversed is a dead, uninteresting level, thinly populated in times of
peace, and almost depopulated by the war. We passed considerable
growing cotton, and very many large fields of unharvested corn. We
met a few white people, but scarcely a Union man or w^oman, even pro-
fessedly. At Hamilton we found one gratifying exception in the person
of a venerable man nearly eighty years of age, who welcomed us with
emotion and bid us a regretful "good bye." He had a son in the rebel
army — forced there by the conscription, after escaping three drafts.
We sung several patriotic songs to the old man, who listened to us with
uncovered head and streaming eyes, and bowed his grateful acknowl-
edgements. There were few who witnessed the scene who did not
share the old man s emotion. We left him with cheers and blessings,
and felt our patriotism renewed by the interview.

Above Hamilton we passed a negro village, the residents of which
assembled along the road to cheer us on. Their spokesman was an
old colored man, who kept repeating, "as the column passed along,
" l-IVre long tvished you well, but v)e darent sJioio it .'" This, too, was
an inspiration to us, as was also the crowd of poor blacks following in
our train wherever we moved, under a vague presentiment that the day
of their redemption had come, and that liberty was in store for them.

Our friends will inquire as to what condition we find ourselves at the
close of so severe a march. There are a few who have been placed
upon the sick list in consequence of the severity of our experience,
some of whom were sent to Newbern by gunboats from Hamilton when
we first arrived there, and others to Plymouth by the same means,
upon our return. There are many sore and bleeding feet which have
worn out their shoes and stockings. Nearly all of us have lost several
pounds of superfluous flesh, and some are quite gaunt and hirsute, not
to say dirty. As a regiment, contrasted with our appearance at Eead-
ville, we may be said to look decidedly rough. Not a little of the " sa-
cred soil " adheres to the late spotless blue of our habiliments. Grease
spots and smut variegate our coats and pantaloons, which in some
cases present large openings made by lying to closely to the camp fires.
We would march twenty miles for the sake of exhibiting ourselves to
our friends in Washington street as we look to-day.

A large army passing through an enemy's country presents a grand
and formidable appearance to a novitiate like your correspondent, and
it also presents features of a grotesque comicality scarcely less striking.
As we advanced, our teams elongated with great rapidity. Every stray
or deserted vehicle along our route, from a carryall to a handcart, and

46 LETTERS FROM THE

eveiy horse and mule possessing the slightest power of locomotion, was
pressed into our service. Some of the teams thus extemporised, and
laden or driven by sick and disabled soldiers and contraband servants,
would have done cTedit to any turn-out of the antiques and horribles.
Some poor mules were literally covered with a burden of humanity
equal to their own bulk. Many of our baggage wagons were drawn by
mules, and at night their unmiisical voices seemed raised in solemn
protest against the hardships and abuse heaped upon their race.

Various instances of foraging, although not so funny to one party
interested, were among the amusing episodes of our progress through
North Carolina, It was not a little entertaining to see some of our boys,
now in hot pursuit of half-frantic poultry and pigs, and then wildly
beating the air in the vicinity of bee-hives which they had ruthlessly
overturned in an irrepressible passion for stored sweets. The sight
and taste of that white honey-comb will not soon pass from the memory
of our jaded and hungry soldiers ! Nor you, apple-jack, beverage of
the South, cheering and inebriating, welcome substitute for whisky'
rations,

" Here's to good old apple-jack,

Drink her down ;
Here's to good old apple-jack,

Drink her down ;
Here's to gooi] old apple-jack,
It will lay you on your back,

Drink her down.

Drink her down ! "

" Coi'poral " is not responsible for this. It was wafted to his ears
from the quarter deck of the transport.

Newbeen, Not. 14, 1862,

We an'ived here this moraing, I had more to say, but have no
time to say it before the close of the mail.

Neavbekkt, N, C, Not. 15, 1862.

By the last mail I sent you a humed account of our recent expedi-
tion to the vicinity of Tarborough, Time was not afforded me to say
all I desired to, nor all that would have been gratifying to the many
friends of the 44th at home, who have to turn to the Herald for a con-
nected account of our adventures.

What I wished to say in my previous letter, which, by the way, I
hope escaped the Newborn censorship, and which I would say now, if

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 47

it would not be iinmilitary, was a -word about one higli in command in
this regiment, who has more than met the sanguine expectations of
those who knew him intimately as one apt to command, prompt in expe-
dients, cool and collected in danger, tender-hearted to the sick and dis-
abled, generous in all liis promptings. The late trying experiences of
the regiment enable me to speak unqualifiedly upon these points. It
would also gratify your correspondent if he might be allowed to bear
testimony to the high qualities of other field and staff officers, and to
personally acknowledge the considerate kindness of those Avho had kind
words and kinder acts for the sick, weary and foot-sore during our late
severe march through the enemy's country. To one of our captains great
praise is awarded for his unw\avering endurance and pluck throughout
the march ; the more as he had no sooner arrived at Washington, N. C,
than he was deprived of his first Lieutenant, (detailed to act upon the
staff of Colonel Stevenson, commanding our brigade,) and a day or two
afterward, of his remaining Lieutenant, who was forced to return to
Newbern in consequence of a wound received at the skirmish of Chop-
per's Creek. The manner in which the Captain alluded to, inexpe-
rienced in campaigning, and almost unaided, sustained his command,
and kept his men together during the eight days' march, gave him a
new hold upon the cordial respect of his company and superior officers.
You can suppose that we were glad to get back into comfortable bar-
racks at Newbern, where we received a cordial and affectionate welcome
from the Cripple Reserve and Home Guard, who had kept watch and
ward over our knapsacks and made themselves comfortable, while we
made eighteen miles a day and glory. But they wouldn't allow us to
patronize them. They had seen service. Our pickets were driven in
a night or two before, the long-roll had sounded over Newbern, and the
Home Guard were actually called out. It seems that a force of rebels,
under the supposition that our garrison was essentially weakened by the
reconnoisance, came down to feel of our strength, but wisely concluded
not to come too near, although succeeding in killing two of our picket
guard, belonging to the Massa'chusetts 24th. I should have mentioned
in my previous letter that a member of this regiment was shot at Chop-
per's Creek the same night we lost two men from the 44th. By the
way, we have just received from a Richmond paper an account of this
skirmish, by which we learn for the first time that one of our cavalry
companies was annihilated, and that our general loss was very severe,
while the rebels lost but two men killed and a few wounded. Per
contra, veracious contrabands at Williamston told us of wagon-loads of

48 LETTERS FROM THE

rebel slain and wounded carried through that place. We thought Bel-
ger's battery was doing the business for them, and were quite prepared
for the report given by the negroes.

The Newbern Progress, which is published under the supervision of
the military authorities here, gives the following account of our expe-
dition :

" Fedekal Reconnoisance to Hamilton. — On the 3d inst.,
Major-General Foster, with about five thousand men, made a recon-
noisance in force from Washington, N. C, towards Weldon, with the
intention of taking Williamston and Hamilton, which points were
strongly fortified by intreuchments, and also to interrupt the reported
construction of iron-clads on the Roanoke River. The expedition
advanced overland for some distance without meeting an enemy. The
rebels, about three thousand strong, made a stand, however, at a place
called Little Creek, but were repulsed with slight loss.

" Our troops pushed on to Williamston and Hamilton, where they
executed a flank movement, with a fair prospect of bagging the whole
rebel force, who, however, saved themselves by a hasty flight. The
rebel fortifications about these places, which were more than three miles
in length, and of a very formidable character, were destroyed by our
troops. No iron-clads were found. The places taken were not garri-
soned by General Foster, inasmuch as the rebels can be whipped out of
them again at any time."

Last evening we were delighted to welcome the Massachusetts 45th
and other regiments, by the Merrimac, Mississippi and Saxon. We
regaled them with cofi"ee, and listened with astonishment to their nar-
rations of snow and sleighing in Boston last kSunday. The letters and
papers they brought us, and which came by mail and one subsequent
arrival, were inexpressibly welcome, and were devoured with even more
avidity than our rations at the close of a day's march.

To-day the 44th underwent its first inspection by Greneral Foster.
Of course we put our best foot forward. Leather and brass and steel
shone as they had not shone before since -they leftReadville. Spotless
white handkerchiefs and gloves in the hands of the Greneral's aids
sought for soiling matter about our rifles, but generally without success.
The General was pleased to compliment us. He was accompanied by
a little daughter, who rode a pretty pony with childish grace.

Newbern has become quite a jolly place to live in. It is filled with
Yankee jimcracks, ranging all the way from top-boOts to preserved
strawberries. The market supplies splendid Northern apples, Southern

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 49

ditto, cider, honey, ginger cakes, crackers, fish, preserved meats and
fruits, oysters, pickles, condensed milk, chocolate, sugar, tea, coffee,
military goods, &c. It is wonderfully convenient to be so near all these
little comforts, especially to those havimj a shot in the locJccr.

Gingerbread, pies, and even apple-dumplings, are brought to us by
the negroes in profusion, while the sutlei'S furnish us with butter, cheese,
sardines, and all the main essentials of luxurious living. Our regular
rations are not to be sneezed at, although at present a scarcity of hops
has thrown us back upon hard tack. We are treated to beef steaks,
excellent rice soups, fish, hash, &c.

The general health of the regiment continues good, although a few
in each company are weakened by diarrhoea, and some few are yet suf-
fering from colds and coughs contracted by our late exposures. The
majority of the men, however, were never in better condition.

It is, perhaps, needless for me to inform you that the published report
of the capture of a large rebel force near Plymouth, was a canard. I
learn that the enterprising perpetrator of the story is under arrest.

Newbern, X. C, Nov. 19, 1862.

Newspaper correspondents are not allowed to give all the news in
this department, and any apparent deficiencies in my letters in the way
of military intelligence can thus be easily accounted for. The Newbern
Progress, I observe, omits to record the arrival of regiments, which
would seem to be a very useless precaution, considering that the Bos-
ton and New York papers herald in advance the departure of every
regiment for this department. I also notice that they are industriously
posting up the rebels concerning a prospective expedition to Texas.
A government that can afford to di\-ulge its military plans in this way
must be strong indeed.

We have received a copy of the New York Herald of the 15th inst.,
giving a brief account of our skirmish near Williamston. It is observed
studiously to avoid giving the slightest credit to the 44th, which bore
its full share of the brunt of the whole expedition, and acquitted itself
in a manner to elicit the warm commendation of the General Com-
manding.

In my hurried account of our late march many incidents of the expe-
dition were unavoidably omitted. All secesh men who might be useful
to the enemy, resident along the road, were taken prisoners. Misera-
ble looking fellows were they, as a rule, but quite handsome enough

56 LETTERS FROM THE

for their wives. In the house of one poor miserable paralytic wretch
we found a double-barrelled gun, loaded and capped. " This is what
picks off our men of nights," said a sergeant of cavalry, as he took
possession of the shooter ; and then, by a close examination, satisfied
himself that the sick rebel was not playing possum. The scared and
forlorn expression on the yellow and haggard face of his wife was a
study for an artist.

As one decent looking farmer was taken fi-om his house, an affec-
tionate daughter followed the soldiers and besought them in shrieks of
anguish to let her papa come back. Repeated assurances that her
papa should not be hurt, seemed to afford her only very slight conso-
lation.

Among our prisoners was a little curly-headed rebel sergeant who
was taken captive at Roanoke Island and paroled. The contrabands
in our train gave him the name of being a dreadfully severe master.
He refused to take the oath, although once offering to do so at a time
when he might have afforded his rebel friends valuable information of
our strength and whereabouts. He managed his conversation with
great shrewdness, and when, upon our return past his residence, he
left us to go home, he no doubt chuckled over the information which
he had artfully drawn from some of the gan-ulous fellows placed on
guard over him.

Private Lane, detailed as wagoner from Co. D, and who upon our
march did yeoman's service as forager, claims the "first blood." He
was searching a rebel's house for fire-arms, and being forcibly resisted
in his efforts to seciu'e one of these weapons, used the butt of a fowling
piece over the head of secesh with such good effect that all resistance
ceased.

The morning after our affair with the rebels at Chopper's Creek, or
Rawles' Mill, as the place is variously called, a party of us went to a
neighboring house to fill our canteens at the well. Three good look-
ing women, a grey-haired mother and two daughters, sat in the piazza.
The younger ones were handsome, and one was a widow in weeds.
The man of the house, a paralytic old gentleman, weighing three hun-
dred and fifty pounds, sat in the centre of the hall running through the
house. In the course of the artillery fire, the preceding night, a shot
had passed through the floor of the piazza while the family were occu-
pying it. The poor old man was too frightened to speak except in
monosyllables. His wife besought us with streaming eyes to leave them
alone — "they were only two poor old critters," although their son had

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGB[E^'T. 51

been shooting at us from the woods a few liours before. The young
woman in weeds, pale and pensive, said little. Her sister, who
wouldn't acknowledge that she was frightened by the bombardment,
boldly declared that she was a " seceder," and that " the meanest of all
the critters was them as wouldn't stick up for their country." One of
our soldiers courteously suggested that we were sticking up for the
ichole country, while she Avas only stickin-g up for a fraction of it. She
replied that she was in favor of an undivided country so long as we
could get along harmoniously, but when that became impossible, she
became a "seceder." "We believe as our men say," she added, as a
clincher. ^'

At Williamston, in one of the deserted mansions, some of our boys
fell upon an old piano, which, during our first few hours' tarry at that
place, although mingling its notes with the voices of sacrificed pigs, re-
sounded vigorously with old familiar airs, speaking eloquently of home
and friends. The relic fever raged wildly at Williamston, and books,
MSS., and trinkets, some of considerable rarity and value, were carried
away by our soldiers. The ofiice of Judge Biggs, an ex-U. S. Senator,
contributed largely to allay the craving for spoils and relics which un-
fortunately possesses too many of our men.

The last noticeable incident of the expedition was the arrest of the
captain of the principal transport conveying our regiment. In coming
down the Roanoke River with a schooner in tow, crowded with troops,
the schooner was so unaccountably run ashore that the captain of the
steamer was superseded by the mate and confined in his own cabin.
After that we proceeded without much hindrance. The summary man-
ner in which militaiy authorities avail themselves of transports is doubt-
less not a little .aggravating to the sovereigns of the quarter-deck,
unaccustomed as they are to rivals near the throne.

As we read now-a-daj'S of our poor fellows upon the Potomac shiv-
ering o' nights, for the want of overcoats and proper shelter, we sympa-
thize with them most deeply, as our late experience has enabled us to
do. It is difficult to exaggerate the discomfort of stretching one's self
for sleep, without fire, upon wet ground, and that with wet, cold feet,
growing colder and colder towards morning. On one occasion we were
driven to our feet by rain, and on another by intense cold. We wonder
that we endure these exposures, and not only live, but almost flourish
imder them. Our experience has already taught us something of the
wonderful endurance and elasticity of the human frame, which rusts out
through the enervation of idleness and vicious habits faster than it wears
out by the sturdy hardships of the soldier.

52 LETTERS FROM THE

We are again settling into barrack life and drill. Here is the daily
order of performances :

Reveille, 6.30 A. M. ; breakfast, 7; sergeant's report to adjutant,
7.15; surgeon's call, 7.30; guard mounting, 8 ; squad drills under
sergeants, superintended by commissioned officers, 8.30 to 10; block
drill for commissioned officers under lieut. -colonel, 10 to 11 ; company
drill under lieutenants, 11 to 12; block drill for sergeants under cap-
tains, 11 to 12; dinner at 12; first sergeant's call, 1 P. M. ; company
drill, 1.30 to 2.30; battalion drill, 3 to 4 ; company parade, 4.30:
dress parade, 5; supper, 6; tattoo, 7.30; taps, 8.30.

Among other items of regimental news is the commissioning of
Charles C. Soule, formerly adjutant of the Fourth Battalion, as second
lieutenant of the Newton company. Captain Grisw^old, in place of Lieu-
tenant Kendrick, promoted to the place made vacant by the resignation
of First Lieutenant Forbes. Lieutenant Soule had command of our
camp in the absence of our regiment upon the expedition beyond Ham-
ilton. He is now in Boston upon recruiting service, and any of our
friends who may desire to make him the guardian of Thanksgiving or
Christmas packages on their way hither, will take notice. We are al-
ready making arrangements for a Thanksgiving dinner as nearly like
that New England institution as practicable.

We have named our camp " Stevenson," as a mark of esteem for the
Colonel commanding our brigade. At the christening, three hearty
cheers were given for him.

November 20, 1862.

It rains easily here in November, and to-day the windows of heaven
are opened wide. We that should otherwise have been on drill, like
it. The poor fellows on guard do not. The amount of letter-writing
in this regiment is something astounding. Each mail carries from the
44th scarcely less than fifteen hundred missives to friends in Massachu-
setts. Pens and pencils are busy to-day. Some are darning their
stockings, and have reason to bless the foresight which prepared those
little bags of yarn, needles, &c., which they received at the hands of
Mrs. Otis.

Newbern, N. C, Dec. 1, 1862.
Thanksgiving Day, the 27th idt., was duly celebrated by the Massa-
chusetts troops at this post. It would not have been observed with
more feeling and eclat by the same individuals at home. It is to be

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 5o

questioned, even, if the viands of a New England Thanksgiving, smok-
ing upon the home table, would have been eaten with so ardent a relish
as that with which our somewhat ruder dainties were devoured in bar-
racks. My observations were, of course, chiefly confined to our own
regiment. Company F, as in most other things, took the lead, and
dined together as a company. Their barracks and table presented a
marvel of neatness and taste. The rough walls were half obscured
with holly branches and flags. The long table was covered with a
white cloth, crockery ware, and glass. Poultry, vegetables, sauces,
pies, puddings, cakes, roast beef, oysters, coff"ee and dessert helped to
make up their bill of fare ; it was not found necessary to send beyond
Newbern for luxuries contrasting so pleasantly with " hard tack and salt
horse." The dinner was gotten up by the rank and file, and private
Hopkinson presided. A series of " regular toasts " were offered, and
the speeches which followed would have put to the blush the majority
of after-dinner efforts in " our Athens." The President of the United
States and the Old Commonwealth were fittingly eulogized, and the dear
ones at home were pathetically alluded to in song and speech. In the
evening Apollo and Terpsichore ruled the hour.

In most of the other barracks the companies dined luxuriously. In
a. few the company spirit proved iusufiicient to secure so much unan-
imity ; but there were numerous cheerful messes, ample spreads, and
afterwards a due amount of colic. Companies Gr, E, H, C, D and A,
and perhaps others, got up evening dances or literary entertainments.
The day was made a complete holiday, all drill, and even dress parade,
being omitted. The Massachusetts oth, and some other regiments and
companies, indulged in mock dress parades, which produced very side-
splitting effects indeed. The acting Major of the Fifth appeared in a
complete undress uniform of red flannel, most of the men wdth their
garments inside out, and wearing haversacks upon their heads. There
were several fine personations of Falstaff, and one man in armor, to
wit, an army stove, through the door of which he made his observa-
tions. The manual presented some amusing varieties of the Hardee,
and the fii'st sergeants were ordered " to their posts — quick !" Al-
together the Fifth are said to have equalled the best exhibition of the
Antiques and Horribles. Among the spectators was Governor Stanley.

So passed Thanksgiving in the country of the enemy. We could
not have asked for a jollier one, but God grant that the next may be
in New England, and for new and more powerfal reasons than has yet
impelled us to perpetuate the example of the Pilgrims.

54 LETTERS FROM THE

At dress parade Friday evening, Colonel Lee complimented the reg-
iment for its appropriate observance of the previous day, and for the
good order before and after taps.

As respects future military movements in the department, your cor-
respondent is mum. We have but a few sick, and the few wounded
are doing well.

We have organized a regimental choir under Charley Ewer, of Com-
pany D. Drum-Major Babcock has got his corps in good working
order, and is now laboring industriously in organizing a band. We
have the loan of a set of instruments, but they may be called for at an
early day ; so our friends in Boston may now gratify themselves in their
long-cherished scheme of presenting us a set of instruments.

The Massachusetts 8th, Colonel Coffin, and the 51st, Colonel
Sprague, arrived at Newbern last evening. We had the happiness of
treating them to hot coffee.

I need scarcely remind the friends at home how anxiously we shall
look for " boxes " between this and Christmas. The latest arrived
transports were supposed to bring a great number of those interesting
articles, and to-night a numerous squad was despatched to the town to
bring them to camp. There proved to be about one box to each two
hundred men, I will just mention that we have not seen the paymas-
ter.

This letter and many others will be taken to Boston by Rev, Charles
F. Barnard, whose familiar form appeared to us this evening at dress
parade. He officiated at the evening services, and made some stirring
remarks to the regiment, Mr, Barnard has one son in the 44th, and
another in the 24th.

Newbern, N, C, Dec, 22, 1862.
A correspondent who marches with rifle and knapsack will not be
expected to compete with the cavaliers of the New York press, whose
business it is to glean facts and send them forward by the earliest and
swiftest messengers. You will have heard that we have been on an-
other expedition, the prominent results of which were three successful
engagements with the enemy, and the destruction of a large railroad
bridge on the road connecting Goldsboro' with Warrington. We
marched one hundred and fifty miles in ten days, and came back to
Newbern in a more dilapidated condition than after our trip to the vi-
cinity of Tarboro'. The expedition included four brigades under Gen-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 55

eral Wessell, lately stationed near Suifolk, Virginia, Colonel Stevenson,
Colonel Amory, and Colonel Lee, of the 27th. The regiments were
the Massachusetts 3d, 5th, 17th, 23d, 24th, 25th, 43d, 44th, 45th,
46th, and 51st ; the New York 85th, 92d, and 96th ; the Pennsylvania
85th, 101st, and 103d; New Jersey 9th ; Connecticut 10th, and Rhode
Island 5th. Besides these was a considerable force of cavalry and
nearly fifty pieces of artillery, including Belger's Rhode Island and the
New York 3d artillery. Altogether our force could not have fallen
much below fifteen thousand men.

Our first two days' march up the Trent road was not marred by any
extraordinary adventures. We were in heavy marching order, and ex-
perienced terrible fatigue. Straggling commenced the first day, and
was kepi up until our return. On the second day our progress was
slightly impeded by trees felled across the road, the burning of a bridge,
and a skirmish with the enemy's pickets, in which we killed some and
took some prisoners. We saw one dead rebel stretched upon a piazza
as we passed a house on our right, and marvelled at the stolid indiiFer-
ence of two or three white women who sat near the corpse and gazed
at us as though nothing unusual had happened. At one point the col-
umn was confronted by a spunky secesh female, who, with a heavy
wooden rake, stood guard over her winter's store of sweet potatoes. Her
eye flashed defiance, but so long as she stood upon the defensive no
molestation was offered her. When, however, she concluded to change
her tactics, and slapped a cavalry ofllicer in the face, gone were her
sweet potatoes and other stores in the twinkling of an eye.

On Sunday, our fourth day from Newbern, we were drawn up in line
of battle about one mile from Kinston, a large rebel town on the Neuse.
The duty of the right wing of the 44th was to deploy as skirmishers
and pass through a swamp to the right of the road, which was defended
by a strong rebel battery near the river. We were led forward by Col-
onel Lee. As we approached the swamp, we met the wounded of the
Massachusetts 4oth and Connecticut 10th, who had preceded us. It
was not a very reassuring spectacle, and we plunged knee deep into the
mud and peat before us, under the firm expectation that bloody work
awaited us as well as our predecessors. In this, however, we were hap-
pily disappointed. We found the swamp strewed with blankets and
soldiers' gearing, and just upon the further outskirts of the place lay a
number of the dead of the 45th. As we emerged into the opening be-
yond we expected to confront a force of rebel infantry, but were again
agreeably disappointed. The first rebels we saw was a long file of rebel

56 LETTERS FROM THE

prisoners which were just then passing by us on our hift. Advancing
a few rods further to join our left wing, which had gone forward by the
road, we had scarcely got in sight of our artillery before another squad
of rebel soldiers issued from the wood between our guns and the river,
with a flag of truce and delivered themselves up.

We soon knew by the cheers that went up that the day was ours.
How it was achieved we did not exactly know then, but we heard of
brave and gallant deeds by the Connecticut 10th, the New Jersey 9th
and the Peninsula soldiers. You will have seen by the lists of killed
and wounded that there was hard fighting, and that the rebels made a
determined stand. After the smoke of battle had cleared away, we
found ourselves in possession of a rebel battery and about five hundred
prisoners. We found that we had possession of the bridge crossing
the river to Kinston, the rebels having been forced to beat such a hasty
retreat as not to have time to fire the structure. One man in attempt-
ing the operation by the aid of spirits of turpentine, burned himself to
death. The rebels left loaded guns near the fire which they kindled,
and one of them put an end to the life of Col. Glray of the New York
96th, who was assisting his men to extinguish the flames.

The scene of the conflict was the most beautiful which we have yet
witnessed in North Carolina. It was an elevated field on the southerly
shore of the Neuse, whose course is here marked by a fringe of fine
trees through which the white buildings and spires of Kinston were
observable a mile distant. The mangled condition of the trees and
shrubbery near the road, or wherever the artillery or infantry guns
ranged, gave proof of extremely hot work. Major Chambers, who
commanded the 23d, said ten thousand rebel bullets whistled over the
head of his regiment while it supported one of our batteries.

It is said that the enemy had a force of seven regiments under the
command of Gren. Evans, of South Carolina. The men we took as
prisoners were of the rawest and most miserable description. Some of
them had been hurried down from Ealeigh that morning. They
regarded their captivity with great equanimity, not to say cheerfulness.
They were doubtless all paroled. Among them were several field and
line ofiicers.

Sunday night we passed in Kinston, bivouaciug on the borders of
the town. As we passed through the streets upon our first entrance
we found many bales of cotton piled up and set on fire. The Kinston
rebels no doubt thought we were dying to get possession of their pre-
cious staple. Near the depot a great pile of corn was also on fire, and

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 5 /

aiForded a splendid bivouac blaze for some of our troops. A few
Union people we found here. One lady liospitably entertained some
of the officers, and afforded interesting information of the enemy's
hopes and discomfiture. They confidently expected to hold the place,
but left with great precipitancy, strewing the way with clothing, equip-
ments, guns, &c.

The next day (Monday) we recrossed the river and proceeded
towards Goldsboro'. Tuesday noon we reached Whitehall bridge,
which, howe(\'er, had been burned by the rebels, who were there in
force to dispute our passage. As usual they were all under cover,
with riflemen securely posted near the opposite bank. The ball opened
with the thunder of artillery on both sides. At the same time several
brigades of our infantry were hurried forward and deployed on either
side the road to reply to the volleys of the sharpshooters in ambuscade.
Our regiment was posted on the edge of a hill near the river, directly
behind a Virginia rail-fence. Here we lay down and loaded and fired
across the river, until we began to find ourselves the objects of particu-
lar attention. Eight of our men were killed or mortally wounded, and
fourteen others less seriously injured. Of the killed, two men in Co.
A were struck down by a solid shot, while we were hurrying forward
to the post assigned us.

Our place soon became so warm that Belger's battery of artillery
was sent to our relief, when we fell back and supported it while it
shelled the opposite shore. But the sharpshooters were too securely
posted to be disturbed, and commenced picking off our horses, greatly
to the disgust of Capt. Belger, who soon ascertained that he was throw-
ing his shot away. In the meantime the rebel artillery had been
silenced, and the column soon resumed its march up the southerly side
of the river. During the engagement at Whitehall, a company of
sharpshooters was hastily organized, and it is believed that some of the
rebels got a Roland for their Oliver. " Old Stars," of Co. D, who is
equally familiar with shooting stars and shooting sticks, is confident of
bringing down a man. Col. Lee and Major Dabney,.both experienced
riflemen, took part with the sharpshooters, and were also noticed to
present somewhat too conspicuous marks for the riflemen on the other
side. The daring of all our field officers and chaplain has been estab-
lished beyond question. None of the rest of the regiment have been
so much exposed as they.

Beside destroying the bridge at Whitehall, the rebels destroyed two
gunboats constructing at that point, and thereby saved us the trouble
of the operation.

58 LETTERS FROM THE

The following is a complete list of the killed and wounded at the
battle of Whitehall :

Co. A. Killed— Albert L. Butler, D. Tyler Neweomb, J. Mason
Slocumb, M. R. Meagher. Wounded — A. H. Everett, A. S. May, J.
F. Berry, Sergt. J. F. Clark, A. K. Tappan, J. W. Greenwood, Wm.
Bamford.

Co. B. Wounded (accidental) — A. H. Everett.

Co. C. Killed— Sergt. A. Stacy Courtis, Corp. E. H. Curtis, An-
tonio F. Polio.

Co. K. Killed— Geo. E. Noyes.

Co. D. Wounded — Charles C. Ewer, Frederic Jackson.

Co. F. Wounded— J. F. Dean.

Co. G. Wounded — Francis E. Lincoln, E. S. Fisher.

Co. H. Wounded — Sergt. Howe, E. C. Crosby.

George H. Colby, of Company D, detailed for duty on the signal
corps, was seriously wounded in one of his arms while going up the
river Neuse, with his party, to act in concert with the expedition. Their
boat was fired at a number of times, and several rebel batteries were
subsequently cleaned out by our gunboats, which now go up within a
short distance of Kinston, where they met our returning column with a
supply of provisions.

A few miles beyond Whitehall we bivouaced for the night, and the
next day pressed on to Everettsville, a short distance from Golbsboro',
where we had the happiness of destroying a long tressel-work bridge on
the railroad connecting Goldsborough with Wilmington. Here again we
met the enemy in force, but as our regiment was held in reserve, I have
only a hearsay statement of the incidents of the fight. The cannon-
ading was long and fierce, and the rebels made a dash to capture one
of our batteries, but were repulsed with very serious slaughter. I hear
they attempted the flag of truce dodge once too often. Whether or
not it was the intention of General Foster to push on to Goldsborough,
it became apparent at this point that we could safely advance no farther,
owing to the scarcity of our provisions and artillery ammunition, so we
turned about and went back to Newbern, where our advance arrived
last Saturday night.

The expedition was favored with extraordinarily fine weather ; but
even under this most favorable circumstance, the march was one of
unusual severity. Some of the Peninsular soldiers said it outdid their
previous experience, and that they never before witnessed so much
sti-aggling. We bivouaced every night without shelter, but were kept
tolerably comfortable by our rubber and woollen blankets.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 59

The asseuibled bivouac fires of fifteen tliousand men present a spec-
tacle of rare beauty. I notice that a recent number of Leslie's Illus-
trated contains a graphic and truthful picture of " Going into Camp."
The rail gathering is to the life. You can imagine how much we are
indebted to the rail fences of Secessia. They give us comfortable fires,
hot coffee, and sometimes shelter itself. I can hardly conceive how we
could live without them. Perhaps we are equally indebted to the pigs
and potatoes of the country, for soldiers certainly never could march
ten days upon hard tack and coffee alone. Upon leaving the barracks
each man is provided with a little bag of coffee and sugar mixed ; so
he always has at hand the means for a comforting and strengthening
draught. This is found extremely convenient in the many cases where
the cooks and wagons fail to come to time by reason of break-downs or
other delays on the road.

I have spoken of stragglers upon the march. There are two or
three distinct kinds of straggling. One is involuntary — the result of
sickness or exhaustion. Another comes from laziness or the want of a
spirited determination to bear up ; and another from cowardice. Do
not imagine that because a man enlists and goes to the wars that he
necessarily does his whole duty as a soldier. There are no better op-
portunities for shirking than those afforded the soldier. It was notice-
able upon our late march that whenever cannonading commenced at the
head of the column, as it did day after day, scores of men commenced
falling out and laying down by the side of the road. This was pecu-
liarly the case with some of the old regiments, and I think there were
few of the new ones but exhibited their cowards and sneaks on these
occasions in this way.

I am now obliged to close this hurried and meagre account, asking
the reader to remember that among the really "played out " soldiers of
the late expedition is " Corporal."

P. S. I am authorized to thank numerous friends for many Christ-
mas boxes. Grod bless the thoughtful friends at home.

Newbern, N. C, Jan. 2, 1863.

The proprietor of the Herald has the warm thanks of the 44th

regiment for a kind remembrance in the shape of a generous bundle

of Sunday Heralds, evidently made up without regard to the increased

price of paper. I believe it is the pretty general opinion of oiu- boys

60 LETTERS FROM THE

that no paper quite so well meets the requirements of Massachusetts
soldiers as the Sunday Herald, — a fact which our great constituency
of friends in Boston appears to appreciate. Its department of military
news is the most complete given by any Boston paper ; and the same
may be said of its musical and dramatic columns, to which our theatre-
loving and theatre -hungry boys turn with an ever sharpening appetite.
The spice and point of its editorial articles are not less admired. So
much by way of encouragement to the hard-working fellows at No. 6
Williams Court.

Since our return from Goldsboro\ a little more than a week ago, we
have been considerately respited from drill and work generally. A ten
days' tension of our utmost physical power left us in a very " chawed-
up" condition, independent of the colds contracted and the feet made
sore ; and we stood in good need of the week's rest which has been
granted us. I am wondering if the troops in this department are an
exception to the general rule, ajid if newspaper correspondents really
tell the truth when they assert the anxiety of the soldiers of the
Potomac and elsewhere for advances, forward movements, &c. &c.
I have yet to be introduced to the soldier who desires a repetition of
these little excursions of Gen. Foster, and who wouldn't give his nine
months' pay and bounty for the certainty of serving his country as well
by remaining at Newburn during the rest of his term of service. At
the same time, I do not know but that we are as brave and patriotic
as the average. Let me assure you, dear friends at home, that none
beside the soldier can fully apprehend the full tests of patriotism, or
the difference between preaching and practice as applied to love of
country.

The soldier who unmurmuringly meets and performs his duties of
hardship and danger must be provided with something of that divine
armor which fits him to be a soldier of the cross. The man who says
he loves to face the "leaden rain and iron hail" of battle is either a
liar or a monstrosity. No man who cares for life and friends can go
into battle without a natural shudder and dread. The wonder is that
duty and pride are strong enough in any man to urge him forward into
the very teeth of death. Let us be charitable as possible toward the
white-livered wretches who fall out of the ranks at the first bidding
of the cannon's voice.

Among the severely wounded at Whitehall was Charley Ewer, the
regimental chorister. The sweetness of his voice was the type of a
character which had endeared him greatly to his comrades. He was

MASSACHUSETTS F^^RTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 61

shot through one of the lungs, and his condition is most critical.
The places he made musical are now dumb and sad. We hope a
deeper gloom may not settle on them.

Our new band is making rather wonderful progress. They are a
jolly set of fellows, the band, with no marching, no fighting, no drill-
ing, no guarding to do. Hardly an even thing, perhaps; but, then,
the band is a great ornament at inspections and dress parades, and we
can't help feeding some pride in it.

Since the holidays commenced the friends of the men in the regiment
have overwhelmed us with the bounties and luxuries of home. Here
are the contents of one box that came under the especial observation
of your correspondent, and which he regards as a model in its way :
tea, coffee, sugar, butter, pepper, salt, capsicum, cheese, gingerbread,
confectioner's cakes, bologna sausage, condensed milk, smoked halibut,
pepper-box, camp knife, matches, ink, mince pies, candy, tomato
ketchup, apples, horse radish, emery paper, sardines, cigars, smoking
tobacco, candles, soap, newspapers, pictorials, letters, pickles, and
cholera mixture. The opening of this box, and the examination and
display of its contents, furnished an evening of rare enjoyment. The
arrival and distribution of these boxes at the Quartermaster's are
attended by some very animated scenes. I am sorry to say that Mr.
Sutler Grant's schooner is detained in the stream by red tape. He has
a number of boxes for us.

Christmas was less extensively observed than Thanksgiving at New-
bern, although not a few of us were enabled to indulge in a dinner a
little better than usual. One or two of the barracks were trimmed
%vith evergreen, and something like amusement was attempted by the
aid of contraband minstrelsy and dancers.

Last night, New Year's, we were favored with the

SECOND

DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

BY THE

44th regimental DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION.

Prologue (original) ..... Henry T. Keed.

Overture ........ Band.

Recitation (selected) . . . . . F. D. Wheeler.

Song . . . . . . . . Quartette Clul).

Recitation . . . . . . . C. A. Cha-^e.

Recitation (humorous) . . . . . . E. L. Hill.

BAND.

62

LETTERS FROM THE

After wliich the Grand Trial Scene from
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE,

Shylock

Dixkc

Antonio

Bassanio

Gratiano

Portia

Solanio

BAND.
Followed by
GRAND MINSTREL SCENE.

Opening Chorus
Louisiana Lowlands
Dolly Day
Shells of the Ocean
Susianna Simpkins
Ham Fat Man

A TERRIBLE

Director

Assistant Manager
Secretary
Treasurer

H. T. Reed,

W. Howard,

D. F. SaflFord,

F. D. Wheeler,

. H. Waterman.

L, Miller,

F, A. Bayers.

Company,

H. Howard,

F. A. Sayers.

H. Howard.

F. A, Sayers,

J. H. Myers.

Concluding with

CAT-AS S-TROPHE ON

ATLANTIC RAILROAD.

Characters by the Company,

THE NORTH

H. T, Reed,

D. F. Safford.

W. Howard,

J, M. Waterman.

Executive Committee : F. D. Wheeler, L. Miller, F. A. Sayers,

The order of exercises was upon neatly-printed handbills.
Since the Federal occupation of Kinston, work upon the railroad
from Newbern to the former town has been vigorously prosecuted;
but recently the rebels have taken a characteristic fancy to drive in
our workmen and rip up their work.

The troops in North Carolina have been constituted an army corps,
of which several divisions are to be formed in due time. Brigadier-
General Wessells has already been assigned to command a division.
Col. Stevenson has received his stars, and his brigade will be the
second of Wessells' s division, the first being composed of the Penn-
sylvania and New York troops, lately under his command as brigadier,
and now under Gen. Hunt, from the Potomac army. The other
divisions will probably be commanded by some of the new Brigadiers
in this department, of whom one is Gen. Hickman, lately Colonel of
the New Jersey 9th. Gen, Stevenson's brigade comprises the Mass.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REG1ME>;T. 63

8th, 24th, and 44th, the Rhode Island 5th, and the Conn. 10th. The
44th will be the only new regiment in Gen. Wessells's division.

We are glad our friends at the North derive so much satisfaction
and encouragement from our late raid up the valley of the Neusc,
Since our return, it has formed a subject of lively contemplation
among those engaged in it. I notice by the rebel papers that secesh
was well apprised of two facts about us, to wit : that we were short
of artillery ammunition, and also of provisions. It occurred to your
correspondent that the cannoniers were quite too communicative of the
first fact. The blabbing of soldiers is really one of the greatest of
nuisances, not to say curses, connected with our army. Supposed
facts and conjectures are retailed by them with never slacking industry,
and with equal assurance and recklessness, a hear-say or rumor imme-
diately taking rank with truth itself in the minds and mouths of a
miserable set of quid nuncs which infest every company of every
regiment.

As to our being out of provisions, our systematic amd extensive
foraging was the best proof of the low condition of our hard tack and
salt horse. There were days when we got very hungry indeed, when
visions of past luxuries haunted the mind like torturing ghosts. Baked
beans chiefly afflicted the soul of your correspondent. They would
not down at his bidding. Neither would that little coffee-pot on the
warm range at midnight, where it was wont to stand when I came
home from the labor of the newspaper sanctum. We found way-side
turnip patches sources of great relief and substantial refreshment, but
our chief subsistence was the pigs, cattle, and sweet potatoes of the
country. With a little lard, a little corn meal, and sweet potatoes
sliced and fried, we were soon enabled to forget a day's fatigue.
Poultry and slices of tenderloin sometimes fell to the lot of a few who
supped royally.

During the fight at Everettsville the soldiers of the reserve busied
themselves with eating turnips and gazing at the conflict. In the
midst of the cannonade, a lively charge was made by our brigade on
a mound of sweet potatoes between us and the enemy. Subsequently,
at night, while we deployed in the woods in anticipation of a pursuit
of our retiring column, we consoled ourselves by munching the sweet
potatoes we had stowed in our pockets and haversacks.

That night's countermarching is never to be forgotten for its wild
and picturesque beauty. Fires were running on either side of the
road. The ground was spread with a carpet of flame, and the resin-

64 LETTERS FROM THE

ous pine were as pillars of fire. The beautiful scenes thus afforded
cheered our march wonderfully, and engraved pictures on the mind
which will endure as long as memory.

Among other items of regimental news I will mention the resigna-
tion of Captain Reynolds, on account of ill health. Captain Lombard
is much reduced by illness, and will probably resign, — in which event
the regiment will lose one of its best and bravest officers. Capt.
Lombard and his first lieutenant Geo. Lombard both distinguished
themselves for pluck and coolness at the midnight skirmish near
Williamston.

Neavbern, N. C, Jan. 18, 1863.

The uncertainty of the mails to and from this place, and the unac-
countable delay in the publication of some of my letters, are the causes
which have operated to prevent my writing with the frequency of a few
weeks ago. If I could say it without appearance of egotism, I should
like to observe that few correspondents beside "Corporal" can have
stronger incentives to continue his communications, if he might judge
by the reception which the friends of the 44th have given his letters
thus far, and the acknowledgements which it has been his pleasure to
receive. So much in return.

My stock of regimental gossip is not abundant this time. Since my
last we have been visited by the paymaster. How it happens that nine
months' regiments, and bounty regiments at that, are paid off, while old
regiments, which have not seen the paymaster for six or nine months,
are skipped, passeth the understanding of even the favored ones like
ourselves. It is a circumstance certainly not calculated to improve the
relations between the old and new regiments, none the best at present.

Since the advent of the paymaster, we have had a less agreeable camp
visitor in the shape of malarious fever. Several deaths from this com-
plaint have already occurred, and a number of dangerous cases are in
the hospital. The malady attacks with great suddenness, and is at-
tended with much delirium and distress. As a measure of prevention
the regiment is served with quinine every evening.

Many of the regiments are renewedly cheered and made grateful by
the reception of home comforts. Your correspondent must be pardoned
for laying some stress on this pleasant feature of our experience. The
delayed schooners of Sutler Grrant have at last arrived with their precious
freights. Time, it is to be confessed, had made its mark upon some of

.^A

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. G5

the poultry and pastry, but that which had been sealed in tin cans or
boxes arrived in fine condition, altliough nearly a month in transitu.
As friends express themselves in much doubt as to what is best to send,
here are the contents of a box recently received, which may be taken as
a model : A large sealed tin box of mince pies and cake ; a large sealed
tin box of cake ; a large paper box of ditto : a tin box of sugar ; a tin
box of pepper ; a jar of pickles ; a box of eggs ; together with apples,
pears, pins, stationery, and last but not least, letters. A portion of one
of the latter articles I subjoin. It may also be regarded as a model:

" There are so many articles we wish to send you, but so few which
■we feel sure will reach you unspoiled, that it has required considerable
thought and discussion on our part, in regard to the particular articles
which shall be sent. But if you take one half the pleasure in receiv-
ing and consuming them that it has given us to prepare them, we shall
be more than happy.

. "I hope the vessel which carries out this little box may go fi-eighted
with many good things prepared by loving hearts and willing hands to
give comfort to the soldiers.

" The most that I can do for you and the brave men who have so
cheerfully and nobly gone forth to put down this wicked rebellion, seems
so little, when compared with the sacrifices you have made, that it seems
hardly worth thinking of ; and yet, when we send oiF our loved ones to
this terrible war, we feel the sacrifices are not all on your side.

" I have a dear young brother in Banks's Expedition, who has gone
to lay down his young life, if needed ; and hard as it was to give him
up, I feel more proud of him than I ever did before. * *

" Another thing we have to wonder about, and that is, whether you
may not be in want of some stockings. Those long wearisome marches
you have made must wear out shoes and stockings as well as feet. *
* * Now, be it known unto you, it is no trouble to do what we
can for the soldier, particularly when that soldier is a Mend. It would
give us untold pleasure to supply you with some of those very useful
articles, if you will let your wants be known."

" Corporal" and other innocent persons have lately experienced the
novel sensation of a night drill, as an atonement for the sins of a few
young gentlemen addicted to throwing hard bread about the barracks,
and charging pipes and candles with gunpowder. This species of vica-
rious punishment, in which oflScers and privates are alike involved, is
one of the odd peculiarities of military justice to which we sometimes
have to submit with the best grace possible under the circumstances.

66 LETTERS FROM THE

The favor of our friends at home is bespoken in behalf of a memo-
rial volume of the 44th Regiment soon to be put in press under the
editorship of Mr. Safford, of Company F, Its contents will be fur-
nished by the members of the regiment, and will have exclusive refer-
ence to its history.

Whatever it may lack in completeness and finish will be easily
attributable to the circumstances attending the compilation of the work,
the editor and contributors being working soldiers.

We are in the occasional receipt from Boston of third-hand private
reports reflecting upon the bravery of our regiment upon various
occasions ; and now, coupled with one of these slanders, comes a story
charging Quartermaster Bush with gross and contemptible frauds upon
the men, such as stealing their boxes, blankets and other articles sent
by friends at the North. The last story, absurd as it is, is as true as
the first, and both, I hardly need say, are malicious falsehoods — the
one class of reports being systematically manufactured and circulated
by men in one or two of the old regiments from Massachusetts, who
will never forgive us because we were voted bounties after we had
enlisted.

Since writing the above my attention has been called to a paragraph
in a letter " from the 27th and 46th Regiments," in which the 44th
Regiment is accused of refusing to charge at the battle of Kinston.
The accusation is wholly and unqualifiedly false. The 44th did all it
was told to do at Kinston, and it was personally complimented for its
behavior by General Foster, as we marched by him into town. I con-
fess that I undertake to reply to these slanders with very little patience.
The individual who was induced to send them north for publication
showed less sagacity than the reporter of the New York Herald, who
was actually approached with a bribe to make certain statements derog-
atory to the 44th, and touching points of which he could have no per-
sonal knowledge, I have this from the Herald reporter's own mouth :
and the reader will judge how far it goes to confirm the suspicion of a
systematic purpose to do us an injury.

Lieutenant Weld has been elected Captain of Company K, in place
of Captain Reynolds, resigned ; and Second Lieutenant Brown, who
becomes First Lieutenant, is succeeded by Sergeant Parkinson. Lieu-
tenant George H, Lombard succeeds to the captaincy of Company C,
by the resignation of Captain Jacob H. Lombard, and Sergeant Hedge
becomes First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Briggs, of this company, is
serving on the signal corps.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 67

The names of those ^Yho have recently died in cani]), of niahirious
fever, are Pollitz and Moody, of Company F ; Kimball, of Company
G ; and Moulton, of Company C. The prevalence of this disease is
attributed to the dryness of the season. It is not confined to one regi-
ment. When the swamps which surround us are filled with rain, the
cause will be removed.

At dress parade last evening the following order was read :
" In consideration of and as a reward for their brave deeds at Kins-
ton, "VMiitehall and Goldsborough, the Commanding General directs
that the regiments and batteries which accompanied the expedition to
Goldsborough inscribe upon their banners these victories :

KiNsTON, Decembek 14th, 1862.
Whitehall, December 16th, 1862.

GOLDSBOROUGH, DECEMBER 17tH, 1862.

The Commanding General hopes that all future fields will be so
fought that the record of them may be kept by inscription on the ban-
ners of the regiments engaged."

Newbern, N. C, Jan. 23, 1863.
The first grand Terpsichdrean festival of the New Year in our regi-
ment transpired on the evening of the 20th instant, in the barracks of
Co, D. The much lamented absence of the feminine element was in
part atoned for by female apparel donned for the occasion by a number
of young men with smooth faces and an eye to artistic efi"ect. If Jen-
kins had been present his pencil would have waxed eloquent over the
superb attire and tasteful colors of the magnificent blonde. Miss CD.
N. His page would have glowed with lover-like panegyrics of the tail
and peerless, white-robed queen of the night, Miss G. F. B. Good
taste, however, might have suggested that the former was a little too
<m bon pointy as well as too demonstrative in her personal decorations,
and that the latter was a trifle tall for the breadth of her raiment. But
when Jenkins came to the Misses C. F. W., J. H. W., W. G. R. and
especially to Miss C. W. S., of East Boston, he would assuredly have
" slopped over" in his characteristic manner. Not, however, because
these Hebes wei-e less faulty in toilet than the others, for a critical eye
might have suggested dresses higher in the neck, longer in skirt, and
less protuberant in the rear ; less suggestive, in short, of those gay and

68 LETTERS FROM THE

festive occasions which have rendered Joe Clash and North street im-
mortal the world over. Some of the gallants of the young women were
scarcely less stunning in their make up. The insignia of military
office, from that of Major Generals to Lieutenants, extensively prevailed.
Dancing, of course, was the order of the night; a fiddler was engaged,

and

"When music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell."

The following is the

ORDER OF DANCES.

1. Sicilian Circle, March to Tarboro'.

2. Quadrille, New England Guards.

3. Polka Quadrille, Kinston Gallop.

4. Quadrille, , . . . . Yankee Doodle.

intermission.
Waltz, Polka Redowa, Schottische.

5. Quadrille, Bloody 4-ith Quickstep.

6. Les Lanciers, Connecticut 10th March.

7. Quadrille, Lee's March.

8. Contra (Virginia Reel) , Rebels' Last Skedaddle.

In this connection I will introduce the managerial card, which was
as follows :

GRAND BALL.

giP^ : — The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at
a Grand Ball, to be held in the Gi-and Parlor of the Fifth Avenue Hotel, (No.
4 Newbern,) on Tuesday Evening, January 20th, 1863.

The Management beg leave to state that nothing will be left undone on their
part to make it the party of the season.

MANAGERS.

C. H. Demeritt, W. Howard, J. E. Leighton.

COMMITTEE PF ARRANGEMENTS.

Benj. F. Burchsted, C. D. Newell, W. G. Reed, H. D. Stanwood,

W. E. Savery, F. A. Sayer, F. M. Flanders, H. Howard,

J. B. Gardner, Joe Simonds, Charles Adams, G. W. Hight.

MUSIC.

Quintzelbottom's Grand Quadrille and Serenade Band,

(One Violin.)

Tickets $ 00.03 each, to be had of the Managers.

^^^ No Postage Stamps or Sutler's Checks taken in payment.

N. B. Ladies will be allowed to smoke.

Persons wishing carriages will please apply to Lieut. White, of the Ambu-
lance Corpse.

Persons wishing anything stronger than Water are referred to the "Sanitary."

The managers were decorated with official rosettes, a solid square of

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 69

hard tack forming the centre of each. Even some of the belles of the
evening were resplendent with pendant jewels cut from the same tena-
cious mineral.

That nothing might be wanting to revive the memories of Clash's
Hall, a bar was improvised inside the sliding door where we get our
rations, and here the cooks busily regaled the dancers with water, and
molasses and water, from a bottle and a single tumbler, while announc-
ins:, by means of placards over the window, " Splendid New Drinks,"
in the shape of quinine and diarrhoea mixture No. 3, names forever as-
sociated with and articulate in the surgeon's matutinal bugle-call. The
bar soon began to show its effects in the shape of cocked hats, awry
toilets, loud-mouthed controversies, and, at last, fighting. The inter-
vention of an active but diminutive policemen was invoked. He was a
little man, but chewed tobacco with a serious determination, which boded
danger to evil doers. His services in keeping back the crowd and
quelling disturbances in the vicinity of the bar were in constant requi-
sition. Not unfrequently his badge was seen tossing in the midst of a
riotous crowd, and he was reported to be once seen skedaddling before
a slightly superior force. He was noticed as being very familiar with
your reporter, whom he furnished with considerable doubtful informa-
tion about his own operations.

At the proper hour refreshments were served. " A beautiful slave,"
in the person of Mr. West Williams, heretofore mentioned in these let-
ters, entered with two trays containing severally hard tack and salt
horse. His advent was hailed with the same shouts and swaying of the
crowd as usually attend the administration of our rations. The tack
and horse vanis^hed, and the dance proceeded with various divertise-
ments to the end.

We had many visitors, including Colonel Lee and staff, all of whom
evinced their intense satisfaction with what they heard and saw.

It is expected that other balls, including a masquerade, will succeed
this affair.

A soldier's life is one of curious contrasts. Although 7iot always gay,
it has the joUiest kind of episodes. It affords the two emotional ex-
tremes. One day finds him in the midst of hilarity and social enjoy-
ment, the next in the blood and carnage of battle, with friends fallino'
all about him

"Thick as autumnal leaves in Valambrosa."
But an hour or two before the festivities recounted above, a slow-mov-

70 LETTERS FROM THE

ing procession with muffled drum and reversed arms, moved fi-om our
lines with the remains of a much-hived comrade suddenly stricken down
with the malarious fever. His name was Boynton, of Company Gr. A
day or two previously, Corporal Upham of the same company died of
the same disease.

Neavbern, N. C, Jan. 27, 1863.

The prevalence of malarious fever among some of the soldiers in this
department at this season, has created a little excitement, and I hope
no exaggerated stories concerning it will reach the ears of our friends
at the North. Since my last but two fatal cases have occurred, mak-
ing eight in all. The last two deceased were Bradbury of Co. C, and
Ingraham of Co. F.

Malarious fever, although characteristic of this locality in summer,
was not anticipated here after the early frosts ; but the succeeding
severe drouth so reduced the bulk of water in the neighboring swamps
as to leave a margin of mud, which has sent forth the fever poison. It
is not sure, however, that our miserably contracted barracks have
nothing to do with this disease.

While by the army regulations of England and France, each soldier
in barracks is allowed a thousand cubic feet of air and space, we are
allowed but two hundred and fifty in which to live and move and have
our being ; in which to eat and sleep, and read and write, and to store
our effects. English and French' barracks, generous as they are in
space, are still provided with a commissary room in which to store any
private rations which the men may fortunately possess ; but American
soldiers must make bunk-fellows of their butter, pies and pickles, or
go without them. Then again, our barracks at Newbern are con-
structed of wet, unseasoned lumber, fresh from unhealthy swamps, so
that upon the walls and roof of some of them, green mould gathers.
All these circumstances are at least suggestive of something; if they are
not, what's the matter ? There are certainly no reasons why American
barracks should not be the largest and best in the world.

We are surely not deficient in space, materials, or in constructive
ingenuity, among the soldiers who are detailed to build and fit up quar-
ters. No sane man would herd cattle together so closely as we are
herded, for fear of breeding distemper. They are well-settled facts
that soldiers upon the march, and bivouacing every night in the open
air, are in better health than when living in barracks ; and that march-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOITRTH REGIMENT. 71

ing and bivouacing cure the colds contracted by means of frequent sud-
den changes from close barracks to the open air.

In my last I gave you some account of an extemporized ball in the
barrack of Co. D. Since then a grand masquerade has been held
under the auspices of Co. E, our nearest left hand neighbor. Only a
few hours were given to preparation, but the aflPair assumed an extent,
as well as an appearance of elegance and grotesque humor not a little
surprising, considering the limited resources of soldiers in camp. The
members of the regiment were forewarned of the entertainment by the
following notice :

BAL MASQUE.

A Grand Regimental Bal Masque will be held to-night, Jan. 24th, at the bai*-
rack of Co. E. None admitted except commissioned officers and those en cos-
tume.

The restriction was of little avail. Those who failed to pass the
door keepers entered at the ventilators, and there was soon assembled
the largest audience of the season. There were many masked and
assumed characters, but the favorite and prevailing assumption was
that of a girl. This was uniformly excellent, showing beyond doubt a
close and enthusiastic devotion to the study of the character in the
original. If you may trust the taste of your Jenkins, Miss K., of Co.
F, was the belle of the occasion, although our public opinion is divided
between that lady and Miss A., of Co. Gr, Miss R., of Co. E, the Misses
H. and the Misses S., of Co. D, Miss H., of Co. A, and some others.
I regret the poverty of vocabulary that prevents my describing their
costumes. All of them were tasteful and some elegant. One lady of
color attracted a large share of attention. Several personations of the
Prince of Darkness were voted admirable. Not the worst Satan was a
young divinity student of Co. D, who had evidently studied his role.
Bird o' Freedom Sawin was there as a Pilgrim Father. There were
harlequins, clowns, policemen, men of impenetrable visage, and one
venerable monk with crucifix and beads. The barrack was brilliantly
lighted by the aid of chandeliers, and there were, of course, music
and dancing. Nearly all our officers were present, including the field
and stafi", together with several officers and privates from our excellent
neighbor, the gallant Connecticut 10th, endeared to us alike by their
signal bravery in the field of battle, and their cordial friendship toward
us as a regiment.

We are adding to the defensive strength of Newbern. Rumor has
it that the rebels are in strong force at Kinston. The situation of

9

72 LETTERS FROM THE

affairs in Virginia, and the growing importance of Gen. Foster's com-
mand, render the report more than probable. The feint of an attack,
or the probability of it, has not prevented the embarkation fi-om this
place of a large expeditionary force for some point or points to us un-
known, but doubtless of vital importance to the rebels. The result
of its operations will reach you in good time. Unexpectedly to our-
selves and to every one else, our regiment is left behind to help guard
Newbern, now deemed by some the post of danger. The 45th is doing
provost-guard duty in Newbern.

Februaky 1, 1863.

If Leigh Hunt, who discoursed so eloquently of the comforts of a
bed, could have added to his genius the experience of a soldier, his bed
panegyrics would have been moving indeed. The leisurely process of
disrobing preparatory for the smooth comfort of clean sheets may not
inaptly be compared to the change from the heavy, crawling chrysalis
to the winged and airy insect radiant of a new experience. I forget
whether or not Leigh Hunt made some such comparison as this ; but he
did dilate upon the positive luxury springing fi-om the contact of two legs
— to wit, your own two legs — after a day's cruel separation by the
nether integuments which custom has rendered indispensable. If we
survive our term of service, shall we not enjoy a bed ? With limbs
and trunks that have not pressed a sheet for nine months — limbs sub-
jected to an intermitting friction of coarse flannel night and day for
three-fourths of a year, in frigid bivouac and unyielding bunks — we
certainly shall be prepared to experience and sing the pleasures of a
bed when at last we come to the enjoyment of that luxury.

The Fry has arrived with our boxes. Besides the many containing
good things to eat were several filled with not less useful offerings in
the shape of stockings, wristers, sleeping caps, &c., made and con-
tributed by some of our young friends of the gentler sex, who accom-
panied their gifts with anonymous notes, or notes bearing the signatures
of "Betsey Baker" and other mythical young women. Contrary to
newspaper rules the editor of this paper must allow me to take notice
of these communications.

" Betsey Baker " writes :

" May these socks prove a safeguard against all bullets. If they
prove such inform" &c., &c.

Thank you, dear, I will.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 73

" Nelly Bly" writes :

" "Would that I were with you to darn your socks for you ! If you
want me to come, send" &c., &c.

" Mary of the Wild Moor " writes :

" Will the receiver of these socks please send me an account of the
first march he takes with them ?"

This letter was commenced on board the transport steamer North-
erner, an old lake boat, which is now transporting the 44th Regiment
from Newbern to Plymouth, N. C. The Northerner is a spacious, com-
fortable old craft, and we are far better commoded on board of her
than we were on the ]\Ierrimac, which conveyed us from Boston, or the
George Collins, which afterwards carried us to Washington and then
back to Newbern from Plymouth. Some of us really rejoice in the
possession of staterooms, but the majority are contented to stretch
themselves upon the floors of the spacious and well-lighted saloons,
where at night we lie at every angle, and sleep like bricks. The stores
by the Fry and other arrivals are serving us a good purpose while we
are away from the comforts of the barracks. We haven't our daily
soft bread, fresh meat and coffee twice a day, but our knapsacks are
filled with preserved meats and fruits, apples, cakes, cheese, butter, &c.,
and the craving for food born of sea air is more than satisfied. Our
regular rations of hard tack and salt meat at the bottom of our haver-
sacks will keep until we need them.

We like these occasional aquatic trips. They are so good for the
health and spirits of the men, that we half suspect our excellent sur-
geon had a voice in the planning of this last expedition. Newbern is
hardly desirable as a place of long-continued residence, although an
admirable and easily-defended military post. The band (oh;- band) are
with us, with their instruments. Their muskets are at Newbern, hence
I conclude our expedition is not intended to be a very sanguinary one.

February 2, 1863.

We arrived at Plymouth about half past three this afternoon, and
were glad to be informed that we were to retain our comfortable
quarters on board the steamer until the next day. The cooks went on
shore and made us cofTee, and we supped comfortably. The evening
opened beautifully, with a singularly bright moon, and the boys were in
high spirits. Groups gathered upon the deck and sung glees. The
saloon was cleared for a dance, and the light fantastic was tripped to
the music of two fifes. The band took a position upon the hurricane
deck, and discoursed their best strains. About the fires on the shore

74 LETTERS FROM THE

were groups of agile contrabands, delighting a number of spectators
with their unique dances and songs. Altogether, a more cheering and
picturesque scene could not well be imagined.

February 3, 1863.

We awoke this morning to find the ground white with snow, and
the air thick with flakes, driven by a high wind. The scene was de-
cidedly New Englandish, and contrasted curiously with that of the pre-
ceding evening. The climate of the " Sunny South" is certainly not
without its freaks. We shall remain on board to-day, we are happy to
be informed.

Plymouth shows sad marks of the recent rebel raid upon that town.
Nearly fifty houses were burned by them, and the court-house, where
our little force rallied, is thickly marked with their artillery shots. Up-
on our arrival the place was garrisoned by two companies of the
Massachusetts 27th, one of the 3d, and a small force of North Carolina
Cavalry. Three or four gunboats are also here, and it is rumored that
we are to act in concert with them in an attack upon Rainbow Bluff,
where a North Carolina regiment (the 17th, the same which we routed
at Rawle's Mill, on the third of November,) is said to be strongly en-
trenched. Rainbow Bluff commands the Roanoke River, a very few
miles this side of Hamilton, and over thirty miles from Plymouth. We
find here a North Carolina deserter who sets the rebel loss at Kinston
at five hundred. The rebel skedaddle from that place was of the most
confased description. We are gratified to learn, as we do from the
same source, that we did the rebels serious detriment at Whitehall, a
fact which their hidden position would not permit us to know at the
time. The enemy had an excellent view of us, and their riflemen were
ordered to make General Stevenson, whom they recognized, a particu-
lar mark.

February 4, 1863.

We remained at Plymouth yesterday. The right wing of the regiment
was transferred from the steamer to a large storehouse on the wharf.
It was a cold day and we had no fires in the building, so the boys wan-
dered over the town, and made themselves comfortable in negro cabins,
where they boiled their coffee and ate hoe-cake and other luxuries.

The right snug hostelry of Mary Lee, a free colored woman and an
excellent cook, was the centre of attraction, being thronged with officers,
naval and military, all day. Your correspondent and a friend or two
were happy enough to sit at a Christian table for almost the first time
since leaving Boston, and devour fried pork and eggs, white biscuits.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 75

etc. To make our happiness complete, our frames were last night pil-
lowed upon a Northern feather bed. It was a terribly cold night for
North Carolina, and we had reason to bless the fate which gave us a
warm bed in place of the cold, cheerless old storehouse where most of
the boys shivered the night through.

Last evening, after supper, we sat by the cheerful fireside of a North
Carolina Unionist, and while we watched the blaze between the jambs,
listened with a charmed sense to the tinkle of the tea things as they
were washed and set away. Our host, hostess, and two youngest occu-
pied a bed in the warmest corner of the sitting room, " GofF, the Regi-
cide," John and your correspondent slept in the opposite corner. We
retired first, but were not too sleepy to watch with thrilling interest the
series of comforting preparations before a domestic couple with a baby
can retire. The infant was in its happiest mood ; and, while its little
limbs were allowed to bask in the firelight, it held a crooning conversa-
tion with its father, who assured the offspring that it was a right smart
baby and had slept a heap since morning.

It is now high noon of Wednesday. A facetious fellow, one of the
heroes of Tarboro', has just informed me that the " object of the expe-
dition (to Plymouth) is accomplished," and that "Plymouth" is to be
put upon our banner.

February 8, 1863.
On our way back to Newbern, when, in my last, I gave currency to
the rumor that the object of our expedition to Plymouth was accom-
plished, I only gave echo to a popular mistake. But yesterday noon
an order from headquarders, addressed to our right wing, directing us
to put ourselves in light marching order, with twenty-four hours'
rations of hard tack in our haversacks, gave us a renewed impression
of the uncertainty of camp rumors, and told us unmistakably that
something was on foot. In the morning Colonel Lee had given us the
liberty of the town, and the enthusiasm with which this favor had been
received and enjoyed was not a little dampened by the unexpected
order, which many of us received while delectating ourselves at the
tables spread for us by the natives of Plymouth. What was up ?
Where were we to go ? " Into the bush for wood," remarked our
always complaisant Quartermaster, " and perhaps a little farther, to
stretch your legs, if the roads are not too heavy." As though the
heroes of Tarboro' and Groldsboro' needed to have their legs stretched !

76 LETTERS FROM THE

We noted suspiciously the twinkle in the eye of the Quartermaster, but
fell in at the word of command, and were soon marching out of Ply-
mouth on the " Long Acre Road."

A mile or two out the road forked. Here we left Co. B and half of
Co. C to act as picket guards on each avenue. Leaving the Washington
road on our right, and soon after our wagons by a pile of dry wood, we
found ourselves repeating the old familiar tramp, tramp through the mud
and sand and water of North Carolina, past weather-stained but comfor-
table looking homesteads : past small plantations, through pine woods,
through creeks, and over bi-idges. We were not long in ascertaining
the fact that we were on a foraging expedition, and if history should
call it a reconnoisance, the misnomer will never restock the stables and
storehouses, the bee-hives and hen-roosts, that night depleted along
the road of Long Acre. We received an early hint that we were going
to capture a lot of bacon, tw^elve miles out of Plymouth, but if the res-
idents along the road this side that point managed to save their own
bacon and things, they certainly had reason to bless their stars. If it
would not be considered unsoldierly and too sentimental, your corres-
pondent might feel inclined to deprecate this business of foraging, as it
is carried on. It is pitiful to see homes once, perhaps, famed for their
hospitality, entered and robbed ; even if the robbers respect the code
of war. It is not less hard for women and children to be deprived of
the means of subsistence because their husbands and sons and brothers
are shooting at us from the bush. But war is a great, a terrible, an
undiscriminating monster, and no earthly power may stay the ravages
of the unleashed brute.

Ten miles from Plymouth we were forced to wade nearly knee deep
through a creek one-fourth of a mile wide at the ford. The water was
ice-cold, and gave our feet and ankles a pain more intense than I can
well describe. At last (about half ])ast ten o'clock) we halted, and
were happy to be informed that tlio object of the expedition was accom-
plished. The column was near a house. After making somewhat
particular inquiries we were informed that we had captiu*ed a dozen
barrels of pork, and that the chaplain, as a temperance measure, had
resolutely knocked in the head of a barrel of sweet cider, but not, how-
ever, until a few enterprising fellows had filled their canteens with the
delicious beverage. We were now ready to countermarch, and five
o'clock this morning found us again at Plymouth, after a night march
of twenty-five miles.

But for the risk of being tedious, I would ask the reader to accom-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 77

pany us upon our return, to halt with us at every house and listen to
the voice of disturbed poultry aroused from sleep to die an initimely
death ; to see the column halt at every henery, and promptly move
again when the victimized fowls had given utterance to their last
despairing notes ; to see donkey carts laden with geese upset in the
creek, and hear the eloquently profane protests of officers and privates
as they again floundered through the ice-water at the long ford. It
was a rough night, but all experience is valuable.

February 9.
We lay still a portion of last night and this forenoon in Albemarle
Sound, on account of fog. This afternoon we were obliged to take
coal, and at nightfall, a mile off Roanoke Island, the fog was again
setting in. We shall probably not reach Newbern until late to-morrow.
This letter will be taken to Roanoke Island, and go from thence to
New York.

Neavber>', N. C, Feb. 17, 1863.
We are visited occasionally at Newbern by friends from Boston.
Few things are more agreeable to us than the sight of forms and faces
bringing with them airs of home. We scan the dress of a civilian as
something almost autre for its singularity. The sight of smooth, white
shirts is positively tantalizing. Among our visitors here have been J.
Thomas Stevenson and wufe, father and mother of General Stevenson,
Rev. Mr. Barnard, Rev. Mr. Thompson, of Jamaica Plain, and Rev.
Dr. Lothrop. The latter gentleman preached to the regiment on the
15th. To gaze upon the goodly rotundity of that familiar form was
like being introduced to a slice of Boston, whereof the centre was the
old church and cannon ball in Brattle Square. He favored us with an
admirable discourse from the words, " Keep thy heart with all diligence,
for out of it are the issues of life." No admonition is more needed by
the soldier than that conveyed in this text, and as enforced by the en-
ergetic eloquence of Dr. Lothrop. We need frequent reminders of the
justness and greatness of our cause to keep oui- hearts warmly engaged
in a service so full of sacrifice as this. I fear we have too little of the
martyr-spirit which saves a people, and that the North must make up
in numbers and treasure what it lacks in the heroic spirit of the fathers
of the Revolution. If our nice young gentlemen at home hope to keep
clear of this scrape, I fear they will be disappointed.

Among our visitors from Boston, I should have mentioned Sergeant

78 LETTERS FROM THE

Wheelwright, who came out as supercargo of the schooner Fry. The
reception which his friends in the regiment extended to him was of the
most touching description. After numerous affectionate embraces, he
was invited to take a drink — of (Quinine ! This being declined, hard
tack and salt horse were severally pressed upon him with an urgent hos-
pitality difficult to be refused. Upon our late expedition from Plymouth
(named the ham-fat). Sergeant Wheelwright acted as orderly for Colonel
Lee, and showed himself a forager of great natural ability. As we wit-
nessed him first mounted upon a dashing mule, and then a fleet horse,
we could hardly persuade ourselves that he had not profited by the rich
experiences of Tarboro' and Goldsboro'.

Among the few deaths which have recently occurred in the regiment
is that of private Hopkinson, of Company F, who died of typhoid fever.
He was a graduate of Harvard College, and one of the brightest intel-
lects in the regiment. A few years ago he was temporarily connected
with the Boston Advertiser. His remains have been embalmed, and
will be sent North.

We are beginning to feel the breath of spring. Dandelions are com-
mencing to bloom in Newbern, and wild onions are springing up over
our parade ground. At night the neighboring swamps are vocal with
the voices of frogs.

We are to have a dramatic entertainment with which to celebrate the
anniversary of Washington's birth-day, provided, of course, we are al-
lowed to remain in Newbern. At present our brigade is a divided one,
the Connecticut 10th and the Massachusetts 24th being a part of the
great Southern expedition. General Stevenson is with the 10th and
24th. The remaining regiment of our brigade, the Rhode Island 5th,
is with us at Newbern.

Newbekn, N. C, Feb. 28, 1863.
We celebrated Washington's birthday on the evening of the 23d by
a hal masque in the barracks of Companies D and E. The affair
crowned and surpassed all our previous efforts in this line, and was
universally decided to be a big thing. The barracks, which had recently
been whitewashed, were united by the removal of a partition, and
formed a saloon one hundred and twenty feet in length. The fronts of
the bunks were covered with shelter tents depending like curtains. To
these at proper intervals were attached scrolls with green borders bear-
ing the names of the captains and lieutenants of the regiment. More

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 79

conspicuously appeared the names of Colonel Lee and staff, General
Stevenson, of our brigade, General Wessells, of our division, and
General Foster, chief of this army corps. At the head of the saloon
was erected a platform carpeted with rubber blankets. Back of this
was suspended a large American flag, with the name of Washington
upon a scroll. Upon other scrolls appeared the date of his birth and
the words " First in war," &c. Midway of the barracks was a graceful
canopy of flags, and at various other points the national colors were
appropriately disposed to heighten the general efi'ect. Our well-bur-
nished rifles were crossed on the front of the bunks, and rayed from
centers on the walls. Chandeliers, beautifully trimmed with green and
moss, lighted up the long room and its decorations, and gave the apart-
ment an appearance of real magnificence. It even surpassed the most
sanguine expectations of those who had industriously labored upon the
decorations. Such was the appearance of the barracks alone ; but
when later in the evening they were crowded with people wearing the
varied and grotesque costumes of the occasion, and the uniforms of a
large number of ofiicers, the scene was more brilliant than I can de-
scribe.

But the chief feature of the occasion was the presence of General
Foster, General Wessells, and a large number of officers from various
regiments in this department, all of whom were pleased to warmly
commend the taste and enterprise of the 44th boys. It is needless to
say that the presence of our distinguished visitors was enthusiastically
recognized by us.

Tne following was the order of dances : —

1. March and Sicilian Circle Lee's Quickstep.

2. Quadrille Sullivan's Double Quick.

3. Les Lancers . Richardson's March.

4. Contra Skittletop Gallop.

5. Polka Redowa Odiorne's Choice.

6. Quadrille Surgeon's Call.

7. Polka . • Mary Lee's Delight.

8. Contra Stebbins's Reel.

INTEBMI83ION.

Waltz — Varsovienne — Schottische.

9. Quadrille Ham Fat Man.

10. Waltz Pas de Seul.

11. Quadrille Dismal Swamp Promenade.

12. Contra Our Friends at Home.

13. Polka Quadrille Long Acre Gallop.

14. Quadrille Dug-out Race.

15. Military do. Newell's March.

80 LETTERS FROM THE

Here is the managerial card :

GRAND MASQUERADE BALL.
Sir: — The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at
a Grand Bal Masque to be given under the auspices of the -iitti Regimental
Dramatic Association, at the Barracks of Companies D and E, on

MONDAY EVENING, FEB. 23. 1863.

The management desire to state that nothing will be left undone to render it
the party of the season.

Floor Managers.
Willard Howard. J. B. Rice, Harry T. Reed.

Committee of Arrangements.

Sergeant G. L. Tripp, Company D.

H. A. Homer, " E.

Corporal Z. T. Haines, " D.

" J. B. Gardner, »' D.

J. W. Cartwright, " E.

M. E. Boyd, " D.

C. E. Tucker, » E-

Private F. A. Sayer, " D.

" H. Howard " D.

" J. H. Waterman, Jr., " D.

" H. Bradish «' E.

" C. H. Demeritt " D.

" D. Howard » D.

" E. L. Hill, "A.

In order to defray the expenses, Tickets will be placed at lU cents each, to be
procured of the Managers. No tickets sold at the door. Visitors are expected
to appear en costume.

Musio by the New Berne Quadrille Band, five pieces.

The Management desire to express their sincere thanks to the OflBcers of this
Regiment for the many favors granted by them in aid of this undertaking.

The hall will be appropriately decorated.

The Newberu Quadrille Band, composed of (discolored young gentle-
jhen, did not distinguish itself; but our own regimental band, under
Major Babcock, — which, by the way, has received its splendid new
instruments, — came to the rescue gallantly, and added largely to the
eclat of the aifair, which, by the way, was pecuniarily successful, leav-
ing us funds which will enable us to produce in good time an original
opera, and one expected to contain several local and personal hits.
But of that hereafter.

The following deaths have recently occurred in the regiment :

G-eo. B. Young, Co. G, malarious fever.

Charles A. Bradt, Co. C, malarious fever.

E. N. Fuller, Co. A, measles.

James S. Gilmore, Co. K, diptheria and lung fever.

Sergt. Charles Harwood, Co. I, diptheria.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 81

This month fifteen men have been discharged for disabihty. The
general heaUh of the regiment, however, is quite good — better than it
was a short time ago : but experience is convincing all concerned that
our miserably pinched up barracks are a fruitful cause of disease. The
regiments in tents are the healthiest ones.

The Boston regiment of colored men has excited much interest here.
Some of our best men have accepted commissions in it. Among tliese
are Lieut. Hartwell, Sergts. James and Russell, of Co. F. AVe shall
part with these men with great regret, and at the same time give them
a hearty Grodspeed in their brave and self-sacrificing undertaking.
There is no warmer friend of the 3Iassachusetts 54th regiment than
Col. Lee ; and the best evidence of the fact is in the cheerful alacrity
which he shows in supplying it with officers from the best men of his
own command. I understand that Gen. Foster favors the scheme of
recruiting regiments of colored men. Several items of regimental news
must lie over.

Newbekn, N. C, March 4, 1863.
My last letter contained a brief account of a Washington birth-day
ball in our barracks, but the hasty description I was then obliged to
give conA^eyed a very inadequate idea of the brilliancy of the subject,
and will be quite unsatisfactory to those who were present. I cannot
remember a ball-room which presented a finer efi"ect in its decorations
than ours. It was remarkable to observe what a little taste and indus-
try were able to accomplish with our limited means, not only as respects
the decorations, but in the costumes and characters assumed. The
young women who had stunned aU beholders at previous masquerades,
appeared with augmented charms. Some were doubtless outstripped
by others, but I shall this time avoid invidious comparisons. The
" Albino Family," with head-dresses of frayed ropes, was an exceed-
ingly clever take-oiF of Barnum's curious beings at the Aquaria! Grar-
dens. Deacon Doolittle, of Vermont, who had come down toNewbern
to gratify himself M^ith the spectacle of young men bleeding for their
country, was one of the richest impersonations of the evening. The
old man was deeply surprised to see young ladies smoking cigars, and
averred that such a thing was unheard of when he was a young man.
Deacon Doolittle got interested in Deacon Foster, and the two were
seen arm-in-arm. The white woolly locks and limp of the latter deacon
were unmistakable in the throncr. Deacon Doolittle's humanitarian

82 LETTERS FROM THE

character having got noised about among the managers, the old man
was invited to the platform, from which he made an edifying address,
at last bringing down the house by kissing a gun which he held in his
hand.

Among other assumptions were those of a member of the Howard
street blackleg fi-aternity, " The Press," a harlequin, several devils,
&e., &c. " The Press " was clad in newspapers, the Sunday Herald
being conspicuous among a great variety of enterprising journals dis-
played in the costume. Several rollicking sailors and dashing cavalry
officers gave variety to the costumes and added life to the scene. The
little brigadier of Company A was admirably made up, and the char-
acter was sustained in a manner truly artistic. The same may be said
of the little Continental brigadier of Company E, the Indian, of the
same company, the Turk, of Company F, and Miss Columbia, of Com-
pany C, who, being the " Gem of the Ocean," was observed to be on
intimate terms with one of the sailors. Some of our fi'iends will have
the pleasure of examining pictures of several of these characters, and
will thus obtain a better idea of their appearance than it is possible for
me to give in words, even if I should undertake the hopeless task.

Last Wednesday, the 25th, witnessed a grand review of the troops
at Newbern. Our friends may be pleased to know that the 44th Regi-
iment was generally acknowledged to be second to no regiment in the
field for the excellence of its marching and general appearance. The
review was witnessed by a large number of spectators, including many
ladies in carriages and on horseback.

Day before yesterday Companies F and B, Captains Storrow and
Grriswold, were sent out to do picket duty a few miles up the railroad.

The last death in our regiment was that of Otis S. Merrill, of Com-
pany C, who died of measles. Nearly fifty are on the sick list. There
are but few cases of malarious fever among our men, but the Massa-
chusetts 51st has suffered quite severely from it. That regiment is
soon to commence garrison duty at Beaufort and Fort Macon, the Par-
adise of this department. The 44th will probably soon do provost
marshal duty in Newbern.

Newbern, N. C, March 14, 1863,
The peaceful quiet of our life at Newbvirn was to-day interrupted
by an attack from the rebels. Gen. Foster had arranged to celebrate
the day in a manner becoming the anniversary of the capture of New-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIME>^T, 83

bern. But a grand march in review and other ct ceteras were unex-
pectedly substituted by salutes with shot and shell from a brigade of
rebels on the eastern shore of the Neuse, who made an early attack
upon our outpost on that shore. This outpost force, which is stationed
directly opposite the camp of our regiment, consisted of the New York
92nd regiment, strongly entrenched near the shore. Previous to the
attack, the rebel General (Pettigrew) is reported to have sent in
several demands for a surrender, which were promptly refused. The
rebels then commenced a vigorous fire of grape and canister, which
passed harmlessly over the heads of the little garrison, and beat the
waters of the Xeuse into foam. An occasional shell from the rebel
lines came over the river and lodged upon our parade ground ; and
groups of spectators from our regiment, standing upon the shore, were
admonished not to present too conspicuous a mark for the enemy's
artillery. After a while, the rebels, observing the inefficacy of their
fire, as the story goes about camp, attempted to carry our works by
storm, but without result, save in a serious loss from the volleys which
met their approach. In the meanwhile, several of our gunboats Avere
doing good serAice by landing shells at proper places, and feeling up
and down shore with their ii-on fingers. Several field batteries were
also set at work on either side of our barracks, and by noon the rebel
artiUery was silenced.

Of course the air is full of rumors, to wit : immense force of rebels
on every side ; rebel generals swear they will dine at the Gaston House
to-morrow; pickets driven in or captured on the Xeuse and Trent roads ;
Beaufort and Roanoke captured; the railroad seized; more fighting
to-night, &;c. &lc. That our pickets have been disturbed is doubtless
true. Artillery and infantry have been sent out on the great roads,
and over the Neuse the picket force is augmented, and great vigilance
is for some good reason exercised. I shall not be able to send you
later advices by this departure. We are not much frightened; and, if
we have got to fight the rebels, have no objections to doing so once
with the advantages on our side. I allude to gunboats, plenty of
ammunition, rifle pits, &c., and no long marches.

I enclose herewith the libretto of an opera written and produced
by members of our regiment. If you will reprint it, it may amuse
some of our friends in Boston, although its best points are more
apparent to the members of the regiment than to anybody else. You
will not find the music. That was improvised and selected, and very
many appropriate airs and witticisms were introduced in places not

84 LETTERS FROM THE

indicated in the printed text. It has been publicly produced three
times before large audiences (two long barracks being full each time),
including officers of the highest rank in this Department. Thursday
night Gen. Foster and staff, with his wife and nearly all the Northern
ladies now resident in Newbern, were present. With the body of the
house filled by officers in full uniform, opera has rarely been honored
by a more brilliant audience. We had a spacious stage, an act-drop,
and other scenery, foraged from an old theatre in Newbern, some
scenery painted by ovir own artists, a profusion of flags and green
decorations, and a beautiful tableau with blue-lights to close Avith.
The orchestra, under the lead of Mr. Hooke, played splendidly, and
with a truly theatrical effect. Altogether, our distinguished auditors
expressed themselves not only remarkably pleased with our efforts,
but greatly surprised at what we had been able to accomplish under
the circumstances of our position. Last night we gave an entertain-
ment to the invalid guards of the Connecticut 10th and the Massa-
chusetts 24th, the two detached regiments of our brigade, and one
hundred men from the Rhode Island 5th. A thousand copies of the
libretto have been printed, and their sale has added a handsome
amount to the charitable fund of the regiment.

March 15.
The nio-ht was peaceful. Our extra pickets have come in, and the
rebels are believed to have skedaddled. It is probable that their
main purpose was to capture our outpost on the east side of the
Neuse but, failing in this, have retreated. The rebels will always
find Newbern a hot place.

Washingto>% N. C, March 16, 1863.
We bid fair to get the name of the expeditionary regiment of this
department. You will observe by the date of this letter that we have
ao-ain pulled up stakes at Newbern, and moved to Washington, at the
head of Pamlico Sound. Our friends will want an explanation of this
new movement. My last letter mentioned an unsuccessful rebel attack
on our outpost on the easterly side of the Neuse. We were afterwards
informed by negroes and deserters that seven hundred rebels were en-
gaged in this attack, and that eight thousand were at the same time
moving down on the Trent road, where they were promptly held in
check by infantry and artillery sent out by General Foster. It is quite
probable that these figures were not far from correct. That the rebels

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 85

were in large force at Kinston has been well understood ever since our
return from the Goldsboro' raid, and they probably thought to make an
easy conquest of the little force over the Neuse, well knowing that
it would form a very pretty little celebration of the anniversary of
the capture of Newbern. Bvit foiling in this project, as well as in
their attempt to plant batteries with which to shell the town, the rebel
forces withdrew. But it was a matter of some doubt with General Fos-
ter whether the rebels would return to Kinston without attempting to
accomplish something in this direction. He therefore determined to
strengthen the garrison at Washington by sending hither our regiment,
minus companies F and B, on picket, and here we are. We left New-
bern last evening by the fine new little steamer Escort, and after a
pleasant trip arrived here this afternoon. We came up to the wharf
with music and flying colors, creating by our advent no little sensation
among the soldiers and contrabands who came dancing down to the
river in flocks. The afternoon sun was shining briskly, and Washing-
ton presented a very lively and attractive air. We find eight companies
of the Massachusetts 27th here, two companies of the North Carolina
regiment, a company of cavalry and a company of artillery. The town
is admirably protected by earthworks, block houses and a foi-midable
fort, to say nothing of three gunboats in the stream. Neverthless, a
rebel attack seems to be anticipated. Colonel Lee, of our regiment, in
command of the detached brigade, formed by the Massachusetts 44th
and the Rhode Island 5th, assumes command of this post. Tonight
we bivouac a little west of the town upon the famous Grist plantation.
We are occupying shelter tents for the first time, and find them " quite
bully." The rapidity with which our canvas village assumed shape was
amazing. The boys are assembled about the bivouac fires in high sport,
or reading or writing by the light of candles within the tents. Colonel
Lee has delighted all hearts by taking possession of the Grist mansion
as his headquarters. The loyality of its proprietor is said to be of such
an uncertain character that Colonel Lee has decided to put a little
wholesome restriction upon his future movements. His house and
grounds are the most elegant we have seen in North Carolina, and his
cellar is said to be well stored with apple-jack. Grist himself is a fat,
impudent looking specimen of the race of secesh.

March 17.
While we were standing about the fires this morning waiting for our
cofi"ee, we received a hurried order to strike tents. We had no doubt
that, in consequence of important news from the pickets, a march was

86 LETTERS FROM THE

in contemplation, but were soon agreeably disappointed to ascertain
that we were only required to pitch our tents so as to form company
streets. Upon this job we then entered with alacrity.

Grist (who is profanely misnamed by the soldiers) packed up his
goods this morning prepatory to moving to his suburban residence out-
side our lines ; but Colonel Lee decided that he couldn't dispense with
his fascinating society at this juncture, especially as Governor Stanley's
passport is no longer valuable to Grist or any other of the Governor's
rebel favorites. Grist submitted philosophically. His mansion looms
up temptingly among the trees near the right of our line. The place,
I am told, figured in Porte Crayon's North Carolina sketches ; but the
mansion has been renovated since then. It has doubtless been one of
many hospitable homes in Washington, which place is said to have been
famed for its hospitality.

This afternoon we were startled from our siestas by the metallic crack
of rifled cannon on one of the gunboats. It was a charming sound, —
scarcely less so than the dulcet strains of the 44th band, which at the
present moment is discoursing "Departed Days" at Colonel Lee's
headquarters. They were feeling for rebels in the woods on the south
side of the river. Scouts sent over the bridge last night and to-day re-
port the presence of the enemy's pickets and intrenchments two or three
miles up the road.

Makch 18.

No further sign of the enemy. After spending most of a very warm
day in listlessness, we were marched through the town this evening for
a dress parade with the 27th, upon the spot where we bivouaced last
fall. The dust was intolerable, and the " expedition" was generally re-
garded as a non-paying one. It afforded us, however, a good view of
the town and its inhabitants. The female portion of the latter are not
remarkable for smiling countenances. As a rule they are not lovely,
being either podgy, with turn-up noses, or bony and forlorn. They talk
through their noses.

March 20.

Your correspondent assisted in the performance of picket duty last
night. The weather was terribly severe. For some reason or other an
attack was momentarily expected, and we were kept upon the qui vive.
When we returned this morning, benumbed and drenched to the skin
with rain, we found the infantry all behind the earthworks ready for ac-
tion. It is now night, but there are no signs of the enemy.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 87

Washington, N. C, March 20, 1863.

Our late exposure upon picket duty, and the continued rain, induced
our officers to mercifully permit us to leave our shelter tents, and occu-
py houses in town, so to-night we find ourselves happy in the enjoyment
of excellent shelter and warm fire.s. What a contrast with our situation
last night out on the Tarboro' road, drenched to the skin and chilled to
the centre I The liberty of the town has enabled us to fortify ourselves
with such dainties as ham and eggs, milk, &c., and we are now as com-
fortable as heart could wish. Better than all, we are not likely to be
disturbed to-night, for our cavalry scouts bring intelligence of the with-
drawal of the rebels from this vicinity.

Near where our shelter tents are pitched is the humble domicil of
Aunt Fanny and family, members of the patriarchal household of Grist.
Fanny's fireside was a great centre of attraction, and about it the sol-
diers crowded in scores to escape the rain, against which cotton houses
proved a slim protection. Aunt Fanny is of a retiring disposition, and
it required the exercise of unusual energy on her part to keep one little
place at the fire for herself and children. She must have shared our joy,
but for another reason, when we were ordered to take up our abode in
town. While we remained in her vicinity, all she could do was to fortify
herself with snufi", of which she is a veteran " dipper." Our presence
must have caused a large consumption of this consoling article. She
transferred the snulF from a tin box to her mouth with a sweet gum
wood stick, which she used like a tooth brush, and then left the handle
sticking out of her mouth. Aunt Fanny afforded me the first opportu-
nity I ever had of witnessing the operation of " dipping," and I am thus
particular in my reference to this classic custom, which is said to pre-
vail among the white women as well as the black ones at the South.
Aunt Fanny's sombre face and the protruding handle of the gum stick
would form a fit subject for the pencil of Porte Crayon. While I wit-
nessed, with a twinge of sympathy, Aunt Fanny's patient sufferance of
the invasion of her castle, I could not but wish that some good fairy
would suddenly endow her with the momentum and muscular power of
the shoulder-hitting Charity, empress of the Newbern washerwomen,
who submits to no nonsense, but lays about her, right and left, accord-
ing to the number of those who provoke her just wrath by unseemly
liberties.

March 21.

Last night the Thespians of the 27th Regiment performed " The
Irish Tutor " and " Michael Earle." They have fitted up a little theatre,

88 LETTERS FROM THE

and furnished it with an act drop, scenery, &c., of their own painting.
Our own dramatic corps are quite unhappy to find Washington without
a suitable opera house. It is proposed when we get back to Newbern
to produce Dr. Jones's " Solon Shingle," if the public demand for
more opera is not too clamorous. The musical world will be glad to
know that the organs of our principal singers are as yet imaffected by
the severe trials of picket duty; a fact the more noticeable, perhaps,
considering that those organs have not been lubricated with whisky
rations from first to last of our severe trials as soldiers. It won't do
for soldiers to murmur in public, but you can fancy our feelings ! It
is assumed by our naval men here that the rebels have two gunboats up
the Tar River. This is probably correct. The building of a gunboat
at Tarboro' was among the supposed reasons for our attempted expedi-
tion to that place last November. Very little fear of them, however,
exists. It is imagined by some that the rebels will come down upon
this place in scows. That route would please us. We find the col-
ored population here quite fearful of an attack, and many of them with
their efi'ects packed up preparatory to a hurried removal to boats.
Among these is Henrietta, a very nice young woman, the slave of a
.Unionist, who cooks excellent dinners for a few of us hungry fellows,
in a snug, white-washed cabin at the east end of the town. Henrietta
is as neat, intelligent and lady-like as the average of white women.
Her bondage, if such it can be called, sits lightly upon her; but she
has no sympathy for rebels, and like many others here, severely
denounces the suttlers who, for the sake of making money, furnish the
secessionists of this region with food and clothing. Henrietta rejoices
in the possession of an excellent cow, a rara avis in North Carolina.
The peach trees in her garden have put on their pink dresses, and the
robins, wooed by their fragrance, are trapped and murdered by Hen-
rietta for her table. I caught the lady in this slaughtering business,
and found her a little nervous about the law touching her case.

A party of us strayed into the old town hall to-day. The official
papers and books were strewn all over the building without the slight-
est appearance of any attempt at preservation or order. While wan-
dering through the maze, an officer attached to the permanent garrison
of the place appeared before us, and sharply ordered us away from the
premises. We course obeyed, but thought his exercise of authority
was in poor keeping with the utter neglect and destruction which had
already been allowed to mark the building and its contents.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 89

March 22, 1863.

Went to a negro church to-day in an old building not long since used
as a theatre, the fresco and gilding still remaining about the proscenium.
The preacher and his chief men and women sat upon the stage, the
bulk of the audience, including several soldiers, in front. The singing
was congregational, and line by line, as it was read by the preacher.
It was horrible. The praying and preaching better appealed to the
emotions. We certainly were not unmoved by the earnest petition in
behalf of the " soldiers of the North who had given them their liberty,"
by the prayers for the welfare of our friends at home, and for victory
over our enemies. The sermon was an invocation for watchfulness,
with copious illustrations from military experience. It was rich in funny
logic and quaint grammar.

After a three days' equinoctial storm, the sun is out cheeringly this

afternoon.

March 23, 1863.

There is a boat in from Newborn this morning, and the indications
are that our ten days' absence is to be indefinitely extended. All the
companies but D and H, who are housed near our camp-ground, are
ordered back to the shelter tents. " Bully for D and H" is the general
sentiment.

Horace P. Tuttle, the soldier-astronomer of our regiment, has been
appointed assistant paymaster in the nav}'. He has not fully decided
to accept the unexpected and unsolicited honor, and we hope he may
remain with his many friends of the 44th through its term of service.

I think I have not mentioned in this or my previous letter from
Washington that but eight of our companies are here. Companies B
and F, Captains Griswold and Storrow, were left behind doing picket
duty on the railroad a few miles above Newborn.

Washixgtox, N. C, March 24, 1863.
We are not much in love with this Washington, N. C. It seems too
much like " some banquet hall deserted." We suspect it of insalubrity.
We don't like " the folks." We shall be glad when we strike tents.
But while we remain here we propose to avail ourselves of all mitigat-
ing circumstances. Last evening, John Smith, banjoist, came to our
quarters at the Pamlee mansion. His instrument was made of an old
sieve and a pine stick, but in volume and sweetness of tone, I don't
remember to have heard it surpassed. Of course it set all the niggers

90 LETTERS FROM THE

to dancing, especially our old friend and favorite, West Williams, who
earned new laurels in the light fantastic. John Smith, besides being
a splendid banjoist, has a voice like a robin.

To-day the lines have been open, and the women of the suburbs
have been thronging into town to buy a little sugar, coffee, snuff, &c.,
especially snuff. Our friend Grist has at last been permitted to go
outside the lines. He doesn't attempt to disguise a degree of sym-
pathy with the Southern cause, but his outward conduct towards us has
been gentlemanly.

Contrabands report a large rebel force (seven thousand) within seven
miles of Washington, one day last week ; and that they were restrained
from advancing on the place by hearing that the garrison was rein-
forced. If this is true, " the object of the expedition is accomplished,"
and we may expect to return to Newbern very soon. One of the ofl&-
cers of the permanent garrison here has taken a Southern woman for a
wife. They are our next door neighbors. As we see them together,
planting flowers in the door-yard, we fancy we might become reconciled
even to Washington, N. C, under such circumstances. There is a
call now upon the gardening skill of the regiment, and some of the
boys have voluntarily ornamented the vicinity of their shelter-tents
with plants in full bloom.

Washington, N. C, in its palmy days, is described as " a hard old
place." It was a slave market of some consequence, and the popula-
tion consumed a good deal of " ardent spirits," according to the author-
ity of a venerable " aunty " who lives in a cabin attached to our quar-
ters. Street duels were a common affair. An election was considered
tame without two or three attendant rows and stabbings. The poor
white people left behind here, and even those of respectable appear-
ance, are unable to read or write. They considered it unlawful to send
their children to school — so says a decent looking woman whose hus-
band is an unwilling soldier in the rebel army. The more we learn of
the despicable social condition of the South, the stronger appears the
need of the purification which, in the Providence of Grod, comes of the
fire and the sword.

March 25.

While Company K was quartered in town they were directly opposite
a house inhabited with others by a comely young woman, who so ex-
cited the admiration of a susceptible young man in the company that
he was impelled to send her a love missive. It was in good set terms,
smelling strongly of " The Ready Letter- Writer," but the young lady

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 91

was so little moved by its elegance, that she returned the note with a
resentful addendum, threatening to tell the Colonel, and expressing a
wish to have no communication with her " enemies."

A gunboat came in from Newbern last night, increasing the fleet to
four. We have a fine bracing air to-day, and the health of the regi-
ment is excellent. We are also made happy by a mail from the North
containing bills of lading, which means boxes for us at Newbern.

I learn to-day that Plymouth has again been menaced by the rebels,
but that the prompt arrival of reinforcements saved the place. Gen.
Foster is never caught napping. An increasing confidence is enter-
tained for his generalship.

Washington, N. C, March 30, 1863.

Yesterday completed the first seven months of our service as volun-
teer soldiers, dating from the time we Avent into camp at Readville as
a full, organized regiment. Whether our term of service commenced
on the 29th of August or on the 12th of September, when we were
formally mustered into service, is not yet definitely announced ; but
we incline to the opinion that we shall be held for nine months from
the latter date. It has been rumored that we are to be detained for
nine months from the time that we received marching orders, late in
October, but we have little fear of that. It is needless to say that
almost every man in the regiment is looking fondly forward to his
emancipation from the restraints, deprivations, and hardships of
military life to the reunion of hearts and the enjoyment of home
comforts.

Yesterday I again attended worship at a colored church, and after-
ward proceeded with the congregation to a baptism in the river.
The sacred ordinance was characterized by entire decorum. The
blacks here, who comprise a great majority of the resident population
of Washington, are extremely fervent in their prayers for the success
of the Northern cause, and rightly attribute their enlarged liberty to
the presence of our soldiers. They are a more intelligent and orderly
population than can be shown in the foreign precincts of our great
cities. The only black man here who disturbs the peace is "Crazy
Willis." He perambulates the streets incessantly, swearing that the
war must be stopped, and that no more Yankees shall be killed. His
harangues present a curious blending of profanity and pious exhorta-
tion. He was formerly a preacher of more than usual fluency. He

92 LETTERS FROM THE

is a very unpopular member of society, his black brethren not giving
him credit for much insanity.

Gen. Foster and staff arrived here this morning, and reinforcements
are said to be close by. Whether this means additional defence or
another expedition I cannot say at this writing.

P. M. This forenoon a scouting party, consisting of Companies A
and G, with a few cavalrymen and one piece of artillery, crossed the
bridge and proceeded up the road about two miles, when they were
suddenly arrested by rebels in ambush. Comjjany G were acting as
skirmishers, and advanced to wdthin a few feet of the rebels' hiding
place before receiving their fire. The result was disastrous. Three of
Co. G's men were brought down and left upon the ground at the
narrow defile where the rebels were posted. Capt. James Richardson,
of Co. A, received two bullets in the left arm. No bones were broken.
Upon receiving the fire, our men were ordered to seek cover on either
side of the road, which they did until they deemed it safe to rally
and return to town.

Those left dead or wounded are Orderly Sergt. Hobart, Corporal
Lawrence and John Leonard, all of Co. G, Corporal King of the
same company was slightly wounded by a buck-shot in the back of
the head. Lieut. Odiorne's clothes were riddled with bullets and
buck-shot, as were those of Corporal Priest. One of the latter's
hands was grazed by a projectile. Others had equally narrow
escapes.

March 31.

We spent last night behind the breastworks, sleeping in our
blankets and watching by turns It rained almost incessantly, and
we were drenched to the skin. Toward morning we were allowed to
spend an hour in one of the block-houses with the boys of Co. B,
Mass. 27th; but we passed most of this forenoon in the mud behind
the breastworks, with no other consolation than coffee and hard tack.
The gunboats and fort were firing into the woods all night, to prevent
the erection of batteries. At daylight our attention was arrested by
sharp musketry firing over the river. We afterwards learned that a
battalion of North Carolina troops, under Capt. Lyon, had been sent
over to prevent the erection of rebel batteries at Point Rodman, a
short distance below, and that they succeeded in their purpose by
smart skirmishing, in which several of their men were wounded.

April L

The rebels lay low yesterday, and the night was peaceful; but

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 93

before morning they succeeded in planting one or more formidable
batteries commanding the river below, and this morning they opened
on the town and our gunboats. To make matters worse, a strong
west wind was driving the water out of the river, leaving our gun-
boats aground. This left the Hull badly exposed to the guns of the
first rebel fort, and they played into her in a lively manner, dismount-
ing two of her guns and wounding two or three of her men. The
guns of the Hull, however, were not idle, but blazed away until her
ammunition was exhausted. The Louisiana and Eagle were also
busy during the day, but to-night no guns are heard on either side.
Numerous rebel projectiles of the Whitworth pattern came into the
town, but did no damage to speak of. The wind has abated, the
water has risen on the river, and the gunboats are afloat again.
Dispatch boats succeeded in running the blockade yesterday and
to-day.

Apkil 2.

Last night was quiet, but we busied ourselves in strengthening our
defences. There are well-founded rumors of gunboats and reinforce-
ments below the rebel forts, and distant firing is heard from down the
river, suggesting the probability of other rebel forts farther down.
A rebel flag is descried down the river, but otherwise there is very
little to be seen or heard of the enemy. The videttes think the rebels
are skedaddling, and the boys are in high spirits.

Yesterday our pickets over the bridge learned from the enemy's
pickets that the wounded men of Co. G, who were left in the hands
of the enemy on the 31st. are doing well. None were killed. Orderly
Hobart, who was the most seriously hurt, was shot through one of the
lungs.

In consequence of the weakness of our garrison, General Foster has
organized a battalion of blacks to assist us behind the earthworks. We
have no such enthusiastic soldiers in the department as they. They
begged the privilege of having guns placed in their hands, and almost
quarrelled for the preference. They swear they will sell their lives as
dearly as possible. We are indebted, by the way, to a colored servant
of Captain Kendall, who went beyond the lines the other day, for in-
formation of great value.

Yesterday a boat containing half a dozen persons was seen to cross
the river a few hundred yards west of the extreme left of our line of
earthworks, and land upon a point running from this shore. A six-
pounder in the block-house was trained upon them, and sent them scat-

94 LETTERS FROM THE

tering in double quick time. Some of us have a troublesome suspicion
that the boat's crew were deserters or contrabands. If they were rebels,
their audacity is unexplainable.

To-day one of our videttes reports seeing a man suspended by the
neck to an apple-tree beyond our lines. He made a careful examina-
tion with a glass, and saw a rebel officer and several privates engaged
in lowering and dragging away the body, which was probnbly that of a
man suspected of disloyalty to the rebel cause. Such is rebel justice.

April 3.

Another quiet night last night, although in the evening the principal
rebel fort down the river fired several shots at what we surmised was
a transport or gunboat coming up. Our conjecture was probably cor-
rect, as to-day we learn that fresh supplies of ammunition had been
received. We are told that three regiments and two gunboats, from
Newbern, are a few miles down the river, also more rebel batteries, and
one of them so buried in the ground as to be iinassailable by anything
save mortars. Yesterday the block-house on our extreme right was
a particular mark for rebel cannon. Very little damage was done, but
a large gun taken from a gunboat and placed at the block-house was
believed to be doing a good business. Some of the large rebel guns
near the shore have been withdrawn, and one knocked out of position.
Our gunboats have been firing at frequent intervals, all day to-day,
although the rebels opened the ball in the morning.

P. M. We hear that Jive gunboats are down the river, and that
while they were engaging the rebel batteries, a dispatch schooner sailed
up past them. A contraband who escaped from the rebels to-day, re-
ports that we have killed " a right smart of 'em." This is very likely.
A more uncertain report is that of a rebel flag of truce asking for time
to bury their dead.

A vidette stationed near our block-house ventured a little too far out
to-day, and exchanged shots with some rebels near a point of woods.
He saw a lot of horses, mules and wagons under cover of the woods.

We are beginning to ask, " How much longer is this thing to go on ?"
What is the purpose of the rebels ? To keep away reinforcements and
provisions until they force us into a bloodless capitulation, or until they
concentrate troops enough to carry our breastworks by storm ? Or do
they hope to draw troops enough fi-om Newbern to leave that place
exposed to capture ? Or do they merely propose keeping us busy, to
prevent us from sending any more troops from North Carolina for the
reinforcement of the army in the Department of the South. Time

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 95

only will show. We have no great apprehensions concerning the re-
sult. Our confidence in General Foster is firm and unabated. His
timely presence here we regard as little less than providential.

We are still stationed close to the entrenchments which encircle the
town, in shelter tents and block-houses. Company J) is fortunately
quartered with Company B, of the Massachusetts 27th, in block-house No.
1 and its out-buildings. We are under great obligation to them for
their obliging hospitality. Their long experience has qualified them to
give us many u.«eful lessons in camp life. We watch their culinary
operations with great interest, and are not a little tantalized by the
sight of wai-m bread, flap-jacks, fried fish, &c., especially as we are
now chiefly confined to hard-tack and miserable coffee.

Our black recruits are industriously drilling in marching and the
manual. The favorite servants of our company, whom some of my
readers will remember by the names of America and West, are exhib-
iting their talents as drill officers, to excellent effect. Our colored re-
cruits are already winning golden opinions for their soldierly qualities.
Our most bitter negropholists admit that they will fight, and one of their
sincere haters has been detailed to officer them. Some of the poor
fellows lie behind the breastworks with a spelling book in one hand and
a musket in the other.

April 4.

Last night was tolerably quiet, although the gunboats occasionally
woke the echoes. This morning a gunboat passed the rebel batteries,
and came to anchor opposite the town. She was not fired at, but eight
rebel guns were seen in position. There is a growing suspicion that
the rebels have abandoned the siege.

9 P. M.

" A growing suspicion " has not been sustained. A reconnoisance
was attempted to-day with a view of sounding the rebels in the vicinity
of the battery on the point, but our boats were fired upon, and another
artillery duel occupied the afternoon. We were again ordered behind
the breastworks, but to-night are permitted to share the comfortable
quarters of Company B, 27th. When we get home we propose to
print in the Herald a card of thanks to Company B, after the style of
the boys of Extinguisher 20, to the boys of Cataract 11 — "We owe
you one."

April 5.

The quiet of last night and this forenoon has been unbroken by the
sound of guns ; but this afternoon the Sunday stillness is interrupted by

96 LETTERS FROM THE

the solemn boom of heavy artillery clown the river. Whether it pro-
ceeds from the rebel forts or our gunboats we do not know. Yesterday
it was rumored that the spades were collected and sent down the river
to be used in intrenching our reinforcements held back by the blockade.
Certain it is, we could get no spades for our own use last night. It
was rumored yesterday that the rebels were feeling about Newborn.

April 6.

The rebels have been throwing up additional earthworks down the
river, and seem to have entered upon the siege in earnest. The smoke
of their bivouac fires increases from night to night, and it is highly
probable that they are receiving reinforcements of infantry.

April 8.

An attack was strongly expected night before last, and a heavy pick-
et force was stationed all along our line of defence. In the edge of the
evening a boat with two black fugitives came down the river. They
had escaped from the rebels, but brought us very little useful intelli-
gence regarding their numbers or pos^ition. Yesterday a black boy
came in from the enemy's lines with large stories about their force, size
of their guns, &c. The rebel general had made his men a speech, and
they were to attack us yesterday morning. General Foster thinks the
boy was sent in, and so has quartered him in the guard house. At all
events, the rebels did not appear this morning. In fact they seem in-
clined to give us plenty of time, which, of course, we are improving to
the best of our ability, by the erection of traverses, additional breast-
works and forts. We have also placed upon the top of our earthworks
three or four thicknesses of turf. The block-house where our company
is stationed is on the extreme left of our line of defence, and is conse-
quently most exposed to an attack from up the river, which is among
the strong probabilities of this siege. Flat boats and steamers provided
with guns and armor of cotton bales are reported above, and are ex-
pected to join in the attack when the land forces get ready, provided
they escape certain formidable river obstructions intended for their
benefit.

We are strongly posted, but are few in numbers. Our entire garri-
son, armed contrabands included, scarcely amounts to two thousand
men. The gunboats have failed in silencing the rebel shore batteries,
and we know not but the river is substantially blockaded. Of course
we shall soon be short of provisions. Our chief ground of hope for re-
lease, in case the rebel attack is longer deferred, is in the arrival of
forces from Newbern, or from Sufi"olk overland. General Foster was

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 97

looking for aid from General Dix yesterday. Of course the aid did
■not arrive, — it never does.

We had a strong picket out again last night, but everything was
remarkably quiet. Our incorrigible Jo says the pickets of the two
forces were so near together that they distinctly heard each other eat-
ing hard tack ! To-day the rebel pickets on the north side are repoi-ted
to have disappeared, but this morning the rebels on the south side of
the river are sending their Whitworth "cucumbers" into town in a
very lively manner.

A rebel deserter who came in a day or two ago reports that he was
one of the squad that was unfortunately fired upon by one of our how-
itzers a few days ago, under the supposition that they were rebels.
He also reports that the man whom one of ovir videttes saw suspended
to an apple-tree was one of his companions who had been captured by
a rebel cavalryman and summarily executed.

Apkil 9.

The rebel batteries kept pretty busy yesterday, but attracted little
notice from the gunboats. Four new rebel batteries were discovered
on this side the river, about twelve hundred yards east of our most
eastern blockhouse. They are intended to command our fort. Two
of them are thought to contain one small gun each, the third, a twelve-
pounder, and the fourth a siege gun. The enemy have one thirty-two-
pounder on the other side of the river, but we doubtless outnumber
them in heavy artillery. They wiU find Fort Washington a hard nut,
and there are heavier pieces on board the gunboats than have yet dis-
turbed the echoes hereabout. All Commodore Eenshaw asks is a land
force to capture the rebel guns after he has dismounted them. Such a
force we hope is not far distant. The music of their artillery is re-
ported to have been heard yesterday and last night.

Yesterday we witnessed the affecting scene of a soldier's funeral at
our blockhouse. The deceased was Isaac Powers, of Co. B, Mass.
27th, who met his death by falling down a flight of stairs in the block-
house. At the close of the services, the deep boom of the rebel siege
gun came across the water with thrilling effect. The peculiarity and
danger of our situation were earnestly alluded to by Chaplain Wood-
worth, as an incentive to preparation for the great change which in the
fortunes of war so soon might visit a large number of us.

This morning (and this is to be the rule during the present condition
of affairs) we were called out for roll-call between three and four o'clock,
and then stationed behind the breastworks until sunrise. We are living

98 LETTERS FROM THE

upon three-quarters rations, but thus far have kept hunger well at bay.
Gren. Foster has taken possession of all provisions for sale in Washing--
ton, and says we can subsist on them thirty or forty days. We have
despatched a few cattle, but the meat is poor stuff — lean and garlicy —
barely fit to eat.

April 10.

Our prospects are brightening. Last night two schooners from New-
born, loaded with ammunition and forage, passed the blockade, and
arrived here safely. Those in charge of the vessels inform us that a
large force of infantry is on the way by land from Newbern.

Contrabands who came in yesterday, report the rebels confident of
having us in their power, and as saying that they can keep back any
reinforcements which may be sent to us.

The 44th Regiment has met with an irreparable loss in the death of
its excellent surgeon. Dr. Ware, who expired this morning, after a
painful sickness of several days. His disease is supposed to have been
the malarious fever peculiar to this locality, but it is suggested that
death was hastened by the heavy artillery firing this morning incident
to the opening of new rebel batteries on a hill east of the town. One
week ago no event could have been more unexpected by us. With a
frame compact, sinewy and nervous, Dr. Ware was the apparent em-
bodiment of physical health. His, surely, we thought, was a constitu-
tion firm and elastic enough to withstand not only the efi*ects of the
climate but of professional labors made doubly severe by an assiduity
and tenderness which had won the afi"ection and the reverence of the
whole regiment. But death, mindless of all human calculations, has
ended the life and usefulness of Dr. Ware at a time which adds peculiar
providential mystery to the event, inasmuch as the necessity of his skillful
ministrations was perhaps never more imminent than at the moment of his
death. This, however, is not the chief reason why we lament his death.
We mourn the loss of the true, inestimable man, more than that of the
able, experienced surgeon. Dr. Ware was the son of the venerable Dr.
Robert Ware, of Boston.

April 11.

For the last two mornings the rebel batteries to the east have per-
formed lively reveilles. Fort Washington, in the centre of our out-
ward line of entrenchments, was the object of their attention ; but sev-
eral shells have reached our extreme left, a piece of one striking close
to the shanties of Company D's boys, bounding thence into the river.
The fort replies to these sallies with excellent efi'ect, and always has the

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 99

last word, the rebels withdrawing. Thus far the number of our wounded
is extremely small, and the gratifying fact is doubtless in a measure due
to the traverses which intersect the outer breastwork, thereby prevent-
ing the unpleasant effects of a raking fire parallel with the entrench-
ments. Yesterday some of Company A's shelter tents were riddled
while the boys were safe behind their traverse. Besides this defence,
we are still more securely guarded against the rebel artillery from the
east by bomb-proofs on the western side of the traverses. We found
it practicable to avail ourselves of their protection this morning, but we
enlivened the chilly gloom of the retreat by singing various choice ari«s
from II Recruitio.

Between the building and turfing of earthworks, bomb-proofs, stand-
ing guard and doing nightly picket duty, we are kept pretty hard at
work, and are beginning to feel the combined effects of hard knocks
and poor rations. We have considerable use for lumber, and Grist's
cotton mill and other out-buildings are levied upon accordingly. Hav-
ing secured the boards and joists, we transport them to the fortifica-
tions upon the wheels of Grist's old family carriage. Since this man
left town, renewed suspicions of thorough treachery have taken posses-
sion of the soldiers, and the Grist mansion itself would hardly be safe
if the red hospital flag did not wave over it.

This morning the music of a rebel band floated to our ears from over
the river. This afternoon we have had the thorough bass of their big
guns on the same side, sending bomb-shells into town. And no rein-
forcements yet! We are very anxious to see them, but not greatly sur-
prised at their non-arrival, considering the lions they will find in their
way, in the shape of unbridged streams, fallen trees, and rebel forts
and rifle-pits.

Attached to some of the oblong shells which were sent into town this
morning, were some of the Shenckl percussion fuses, bearing the mark
of George H. Fox & Co., of Boston, manufacturers. Perhaps the gen-
tlemen of this firm will be interested in the fact. Boston boj^s think it
a little funny to meet such specimens of home manufacture in North
Carolina.

A night or two ago our pickets on the Jamesville road got beyond
the outposts of the enemy, and had an unexpected rencounter with the
rebel pickets. The interview was quite cordial, but our boys were
assured that the rebs had Washington in a vice. Many inside are of
the same opinion, but of course this depends upon the success we may
have in getting reinforcements through.

100 LETTERS FROM THE

April 13.

Night before last it was reported that the rebels were crossing the
river above and below us, on flat-boats, with a view of strengthening
themselves on the south side, to meet oui- reinforcements from Newbern.
We also have rumors of fights on the Newbern road.

April 14.

Last night steamers from below with reinforcements of men and pro-
visions ran by the rebel batteries under a hot fire, and arrived safely at
Washington. Our garrison is now strong, and our friends need have
no fears concerning us. We are in the receipt of letters and papers to
the 3d inst.

It is said that the long delay in sending us reinforcements was caused
by their repulse by the rebels on the Newbern road. But of this mat-
ter I can only give you rumors. You can imagine that the loyal part
of Little Washington is jubilant to-day.

Washington, N. C, April 16, 1863.

My diary of the siege of Washington, forwarded to you by a steamer
which left on the 14th, closed on the 13th, when I announced the grat-
ifying intelligence of the arrival of reinforcements. Yesterday morning
General Foster departed for Newbern, leaving behind the following
general order :

Headquarters 18th Army Corps, >

Washington, N. C, April I^th, 1863. j

The Commanding General announces to the garrison of this town that he is
about to leave for a brief space of time the gallant soldiers and sailors of this
garrison. Brigadier General Totter will remain in command, and in him the
Commanding General has the most perfect confidence as a brave and able sol-
dier. The command of the naval forces remains unchanged ; therefore that arm
of the service will be as effective and perfect as heretofore. The Commanding
General leaves temporarily, and for the purpose of putting himself at the head
of a relieving force. Having raised the siege, he expects soon to return ; but
before leaving he must express to the naval force here, and to the soldiers under
his command, the 27th and 44th Massachusetts Regiments, detachments of the
3d New York Cavah'y and 1st North Carolina Volunteers, his thanks for and
admiration of the untiring zeal, noble emulation and excellent courage which
have distinguished them during the sixteen days of the enemy's attack on this
post; and he feels confident that the display of those qualities under General
Potter will hold the place till the siege be raised.

J. G. FOSTER,
Gen. Commanding 18th Army Corps.

Regimental glorification is so prevalent a weakness on the part of
newspaper correspondents in the army, that I am almost ashamed to
state a fact which I know will be pleasing to our friends at home. I

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOUllTH REGIMENT. 101

allude to a marked unofficial compliment from General Foster, who ob-
served to Colonel Lee that the 44th regiment has performed more ser-
vice than any other nine months' regiment in liis department, and
probably more than any other nine months' regiment in the field ; that
the conduct of the regiment had been in every respect spirited, honor-
able and gratifying to him. I offer this as a most thorough refutation
of the villainous libels which the low enmity of a few men in the other
Massachusetts regiments have dictated and set afloat.

The air is fidl of rumors discreditable to the generalship and bravery
of General Spinola, who was last week sent from Newbern to relieve
this garrison, in which attempt, it is reported, he miserably failed, and
then fell back without a sufficient cause. If he has not done his duty.
General Foster will be the last man to excuse the omission. He has
chafed like a caged lion during the siege, and is said to have gone away
mad as a March hare. The rebels did not omit the customary salute
when his steamer passed down the river, and it is thought one or more
cannon balls went through the upper works of the vessel. At the s&me
time the rebel batteries to the east of the town played upon us in a
lively manner, and sent us into our bomb-proofs upon the double-quick.
The rebels amused themselves in the same manner on the previous
morning, about the time the band was giving expression to our joy at
receiving reinforcements, and in fact this has been the order of the day
for a long time. But it has been no boys' play. Shot and shell have
rained all along our line. Several of our shelter tents have been cut to
pieces by them. I could recount scores of " miraculous escapes." Our
bomb-proofs have probably been the means of saving many lives. It
certainly seems scarcely short of Providential interposition that a bom-
bardment extending over sixteen days has not resulted in the loss of a
single life or limb on our side.

This morning five deserters have come in and report the rebels falliuf
back on Greenville. The indications confirm the report.

Cavalry and infantry scouts find their breastworks this side of the river
abandoned, and the rebs have not fired a gun to-day on either side.
A thunder tempest raged last night, and it is highly probable that thty
skedaddled under the protection which the noise of the elements afford-
ed them. Finding the blockade inefi"ective, they despaired of starving
us out, and so have retired with great loss — of ammunition. In this re-
spect it has been a very expensive siege to them ; and it is believed
that their loss in lives has not been inconsiderable. They have found
Little "Washington, under the engineering of General Foster, a hard nut
to crack, and will scarce try the experiment again.

102 ' LETTERS FROM THE

P. M. Our gunboats hammered away at the positions lately held by
the rebels on the south side of the river, until being satisfied that they
were no longer there, boats were sent to reconnoitre about Rodman's
Point. It happened that a few of the enemy, probably their rear guard,
were still on the ground. They rose and fired on our boats with fatal
efi"ect. An engineer of the gunboat Ceres was killed. Frank Tripp,
of Company E, 43d regiment, in another boat, was very severely wound-
ed. The boats then withdrew.

This morning our scouts visited the scene of the principal rebel
bivouac this side the river, and came to the conclusion that about two
thousand men had encamped there.

Towards night the gunboats Hunchback, Southfield and two or three
others, which during the siege had been hanging ten miles below, came
up in range of Rodman's Point, and commenced shelling the woods
with great vigor. The same amount of firing in the same places yes-
terday or day before would have placed the rebels in great danger of
their limbs and lives ; but before opening his fire the magnanimous
commander of the down river fleet waited until our erring brethren had
got beyond the reach of the Hunchback's hundred pounders, and then
blazed away, to the mingled admiration and terror of the contraband
population of Washington and vicinity. I am informed that the timely
arrival of the Rhode Island 5th, which gallantly ran the blockade on the
night of the 13th, was solely due to the energetic determination of Col-
onel Sisson, in opposition to the naval authorities down the river. In
other respects a night-mare retardation has seemed to characterize all
attempts to relieve this garrison.

Hill's Point, 8 Miles below Washington, N. C, (
South Side of Sound, April 17, 1863. ^
Companies C, D, and I were ordered on board the gunboat Eagle
last evening, where we slept. This morning we landed in small boats
at this place. It was the strongest point of the rebel blockade. Be-
hind the earthworks, which were mostly erected at an early day in the
rebellion, are a plenty of bomb-proofs. The natural defences of the
place are remarkable for this flat vicinity. Behind the earthworks is a
pleasant piece of table-land, which we now occupy. Between the shore
and the woods is a rebel rifle-pit. This forenoon we skirmished out a
a mile or so, encountering an old rebel camp and the one the rebels
have recently occupied. We picked up one butternut gentleman with

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 103

a carpet bag contaiuing a rebel uniform, and the idcture of a rebel offi-
cer. Butternut said he picked up the carpet bag in the woods as he was
going home from mill. He said the rcbs were robbing the population
of their provisions and had nearly cleaned him out. There was a
" right smart" of rebs here, but they left in a hurry night before last.
Three companies of the 43d, C, D and H, landed here from schooners
about noon. They had been lying below the blockade for a week or
so, with the other companies of their regiment, who had been suddenly
called back to Newbern. The 43d formed part of Spinola's late expe-
dition, and the boys of that regiment are emphatic in their denunciation
of the conduct of the General in retreating without, as they say, suffi-
cient cause. Their march back, after getting within ten miles of New-
bern, was of the most forced and exhausting description. The affair
will probably be investigated by a court martial.

The excellent sketch of our situation and defences at Washington,
which accompanies this letter, was drawn by George W. Hight, of
Company D. I have no doubt you will take pleasure in .showing it to
any friend of the 44th regiment who may call for that purpoge,

Apkil 18, 1863.

The detachment of the 44th Regiment stationed at this point are
quite delighted with their situation. We have seen nothing so pleasant
in North Carolina. The Tar river here widens into Pamlico Sound,
and from our position on this bluff or table land, it spreads out l^efore
us like a beautiful lake in the woods. This morning, one of the love-
liest of Spring, the air is fi-agrant with pines and flowers, and melo-
dious with the songs of birds. The field is dotted with fi'uit trees in
bloom. Yesterday we found the woods spangled with jasmine, violets,
box and. dog-wood, and our skirmishers with their hands full of flowers
looked more like a Maying party than soldiers expecting a foe in every
bush. A rebel soldier lies buried beneath a branching cedar close to
our bivouac, the living and the dead sleeping together. Upon the
headboard of the latter we read " Henry Davenport, o2d North Caro-
lina Regiment." His resting place was selected with true refinement
of taste.

April 20.

From our picket post yesterday we caught the sound of wild cheer-
ing, which we soon learned was given to the advance of our army from
Newbern, headed by General Foster. To-day we learn that three of
our brigades are in Washington, another in the vicinity of Kinston,
and another between here and Newbern. Feint movements are per-

104 LETTERS FROM THE

haps involved in this disposition of troops, but we have no idea of what
G-eneral Foster is about. He is reinforced by the return of part of his
troops from the Department of the South, including the Massachusetts
23d and the New Jersey 9th. The Massachusetts 24th and the Con-
necticut 10th are still with General Hunter.

We are in receipt to-day of letters from the North, containing news-
paper slips devoted to late affairs in this vicinity. The letter of a cor-
respondent at Newbern, which the Boston Journal accepts as " the
clearest account of affairs at Washington and Newbern," is a complete
tissue of errors, of a character so serious that the regiment has been
excited to indignation by their unfortunate publicity.

The statement that Companies A and D went outside the earthworks
and had their retreat cut off, contains two errors. Company D did not
go out at all until after the blockade was raised, and the retreat of Com-
pany A was not cut off. The " cutting their way through with the loss
of sixteen" is also a pure fiction, as is the announcement of the death
of Orderly Sergeant Edmands. Our total loss in the affair alluded to
was three wounded, who were taken prisoners. Orderly Sergeant Ed-
mands was not one of these, but the careless statement of his death has
doubtless plunged a circle of friends into mourning as sorrowful and
deep, for a time, as the event itself could produce. Then who shall
undertake to estimate the anxiety and torture of suspense in the minds
of the friends of Companies A and D before they shall find out the
falsity of the story of " sixteen killed r" Our laws are defective in
their want of penalties for such outrageous sins against the tenderest
and sacredest feelings of nature as those perpetrated bv a class of irre-
sponsible correspondents, who seize upon and circulate rumors for facts,
and who mutilate the king's English and human feelings with about
equal facility and sang froid.

In Tow of Steamer Thomas Collyer, |
Wednesday, April 23, 1863. S
Having contributed to the salvation of Little Washington, we are
now on our way back to the "home camp " at Newbern, leaving Hill's
Point garrisoned by a portion of the 43d, and Washington by several
New Yoi'k and Pennsylvania regiments, together with the Massachu-
setts 27tli and part of the 43d. Accompanying us on our way backto
Newbern are five companies of the Rhode Island 5th, and two compa-
nies of the Massachusetts 46tli. We have been absent from Newbern
over five weeks, and now the near prospect of getting into our barracks

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 105

again has elated every heart. Lots of boxes for us have accumulated
in our absence, and our anxiety to be at them is quite intense. We
have, to teU the truth, a harrowing suspicion that the invalid guard, ac-
tuated by an unselfish purpose to keep them from spoiling, will save us
the trouble not only of opening the boxes but of eating the contents.
Heaven forbid, however ! In our present half-famished condition this
is no trifling thought.

Newbern, Apkil 24.

Here we are at old Newbern again, but not at "home," as we fondly
call our old barracks while absent on expeditions. We found the New
Jersey 9th in our old quarters, so we betook ourselves to the barracks
of our old and beloved neighbors, the Conn. 10th. But we are to stay
here only a short time. Saturday we are going down into the city to
do provost-guard duty, and shall probably continue in that capacity the
remainder of our term of service. We shall there be quartered in
houses, and, except in extreme cases, be excused from participating in
expeditions. This will please those of our timorous friends who, when
we left home, gravely and affectionately admonished us not to get shot.
There is now, dear friends, a right smart chance for us to escape rebel
bullets, " except," as Sparrowgrass once remarked, " in case of inva-
sion."

April 25.

To-day we were formally installed as provost-guard of Newbern,
thereby relieving the 45th regiment, which has for a considerable time
been acting in the same capacity. The 45th received us with all the
honors, and we stood at present arms as they marched past us in going
out of the city. Each regiment bore its regimental colors and was
headed by its band.

Our company (D) are put in possession of a commodious wooden
mansion and its out-buildings on Pollock street, lately occupied by Co.
A, of the 45th. We found the rooms in neat condition, and decorated
with wreaths and bouquets of flowers, accompanied by the pleasant
salutatory words, " Welcome 44," several times inscribed on the
walls. The " Jolly Five " have the thanks of " Corporal," and his
mess for their part in a greeting so graceful on one side and so grate-
ful to the other.

The 54th regiment has made another draft upon the 44th for officers,
Charles E. Tucker, Co. E, Willard Howard and Henry W. Littlefield,

106 LETTERS FROM THE

of Co. D, having just received their commissions as lieutenants in the
former. They will leave for Boston to-morrow.

I learn that the officers of our regiment have decided to present to
the Fifth Regiment of Rhode Island a stand of colors as a slight
acknowledgment of the gallantry of that regiment in running the rebel
blockade and coming to our relief at Washington. The Mass. 27th,
with whom we were blockaded, is now in Newbern.

April 26.

To-day the regiment have attended the obsequies of our late lamented
and beloved Surgeon, Dr. Ware, to whose unexpected death we are
none of us quite reconciled. His remains will be carried to Boston by
the steamer Ellen S. Terry, which leaves Newbern to-day.

This letter is carried to Boston by H. P. Tuttle, late of the Cam-
bridge Observatory, who has just been discharged from the 44th regi-
ment on account of having received a commission as Assistant Pay-
master in the Navy.

Newbern, N. C, May 12, 1863.

Our life as provost guard at Newbern is too uneventful to call for
much letter writing. We have been joined by companies B and F,
who have been a long while on picket, and we are now a regiment of
policemen. The rank and file are on guard almost every other day,
and the duty is found at once severe, irksome, and often abhorrent.
I am rather glad that our present reputation as policemen is not to be
the measure of our characters as soldiers. I am loath to confess that we
were getting to be beloved by the tough ones of the old regiments,
who, since pay-day, which occurred recently, found three dollars a
bottle for whisky no bar to indulgence in that popular stimulant, and
who have an acquired loathing of the guard-house. HoAvever, we are
becoming very exemplary policemen, if I may judge from the curses
(both loud and deep) which are showered upon the devoted heads of
the 44th regiment, and nine months' men generally.

Newbern is looking very attractive. The gardens are still rich with
roses of every hue. I wish the paper May-flower girls of Boston
pould be turned amongst them for a day.

We have small time or opportunity for amusement, although I have
no doubt that the shoulder straps find provost-guard life extremely
bully, setting aside some of the severe duties which belong to them as
moral conservators. They are treated to concerts, attend private

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 107

music parties, and regale themselves with ice water, — very good in this
latitude at this season. The privates are solicited to produce another
opera ; and an entertainment of that character, founded upon the siege
of Washington, together with a regimental concert, a dramatic per-
formance, and a hal masque, is upon the tapis.

Weddings, white and colored, are just now the subject of gossip.
One of our own corporals has been and gone and done it, and one of
the pretty natives of Newbern is now Mrs. Lawrence. Last night
seme of our boys assisted at a darkey wedding, putting the happy pair
to bed in true traditional style.

Our nights are rendered musical by the plaintive choral hymnings
of devotional negroes in every direction, alone and in groups. From
their open cabins come the mingled voices of men wrestling painfully
and agonizingly with the spirit, and those uttering the ecstatic notes
of the redeemed.

Newbern, N. C, May 16, 1863.

We are in a state of stagnation. We have not been so unhappy
since the date of our enlistment as we have since we entered upon the
police business at Newbern. We have almost forgotten the toil and
misery of long marches and sieges, and revert with something like
regret to the days of active campaigning. I have no doubt that many
of us wiU voluntarily return to the army should the state of the country
call for more service at our hands. We rejoice that we have had a
hand in this glorious contest for the integrity of our country. No
sacrifice or hardship we have endured balances the gratification of
having done our country some service, however small or humble that
service may have been. If we had but one word of advice to give the
young men of our acquaintance, it would be to e^ilist voluntarily
while a chance remains to identify yourselves in a glorious warfare
which is evidently drawing to such a termination as every patriot must
pray and fight for. Do not stand back because you think the danger
is«past. We may safely calculate that much work remains to be done.
The serpent of secession is only scotched, not killed. The clouds
may yet again lower over us, and every strong arm may be needed to
sweep them away.

How well the magnificent strategy and the more magnificent fighting
of our New England General comports with his clear, ringing testimony
before the Committee on the Conduct of the War!

108 LETTERS FROM THE

How stands McClellan presidential stock at the North? "Who will
heal up the Avounds of the copperheads ? Nothing will keep them
from despair but the injudicious arrest and imprisonment of blatant
politicians who hunger and thirst after martyrdom, and who do not
know that their advocacy of a cause is its most effective condemnation.

May 18.

A "trance medium" by the name of James Richardson, of Athol,
in Co. B, 27th regiment, assures the members of his regiment that
they will be discharged from the service in less than a year from this
time, and that the war will be brought to a close before that time.
His associates, although professing to have no faith in asserted revela-
tions of this kind, are forced to confess that Richardson has proved to
be a true prophet in several important instances. He foretold the
battles of Roanoke and Newbern, and with so many of their particu-
lars as to prove his possession of a power altogether unexplainable.
He foretold the siege of Washington by stating that the 27th regiment
would take part in a long but not very bloody battle, and that a
certain man would be killed. Following this came the seventeen days'
siege, and the death of the man alluded to. After this battle he said
the regiment would soon remove to another place in transports. That
has also happened. From that place, in two or four months, they
were to embark in transports for the North.

Orderly Sergeant Stebbins of Co. F has been commissioned as
second lieutenant in place of Lieut. Hartwell, now a captain in the
54th. Lieut. Stebbins is a much esteemed officer, capable and prompt,
without being a tyrant or a martinet.

Private Melville, of Co. A, died on Friday of inflammation of the
bowels. Since our return from Washington, most of the regiment
have been much troubled with diarrhoea, which, however, is now
subsiding. The average health of the regiment is good. Dr. Fisher,
assistant surgeon with the late Dr. Ware, is now surgeon of the
regiment. He is a man of much professional skill and faithfulness.
His assistant. Dr. McPhee, is winning golden opinions for the same
qualities, united with great complaisance to everybody but "niggers.^'
He was with the English army during the Sepoy rebellion.

At dress parade this evening an order, suitably acknowledging the
generous gift of $500 at the hands of Mr. Gilmore, for the benefit
of the 44th regiment, was read.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 109

Newbern, N. C, May 23, 1863.

The Newbern markets are points of some interest. What native
products are offered for sale here are chiefly brought in small sail ves-
sels from up and down the river, their place of rendezvous being at the
foot of Pollock street. Due notice of the arrival of produce being
given at the oflice of the Provost-Marshal, the sale commences, under
such restriction as this functionary may have been pleased to prescribe.
If the cargo is of eggs, the hospitals and certain functionaries must
first be provided for. After this, private soldiers and negroes may be
allowed to buy one or two dozens each. The scenes about these mar-
ket boats are sometimes quite animated and interesting. This morning
a boat lay at the wharf with eggs, sweet potatoes and green peas. The
butternut skipper and his son were beset in a very confusing manner.
First went the green peas, half grown, at fifty cents a peck. Then the
eggs at twenty-five cents a dozen. Anxious but patient darkeys of both
sexes, ancient and lean Carolinians of the white "persuasion" and
doubtful loyalty, eyed the sweet potatoes and bided their doubtful
chances.

The only cheap thing in Newbern is fish — drum, sheepshead, trout,
herring, &c., caught down the sound. Trout enough for a family din-
ner can be bought for twenty-five cents. It is very good, and the
staple article of food at the restaurants.

A few farmers who were so fortunate as not to live on the line of
our expeditionary raids, send in a little honey. Strawberries, also, are
occasionally received.

Recruiting for the African brigade is progressing lively and enthu-
siastically. Quite a recruiting fever has seized the freedmen of New-
bern. Recruiting ofiices will soon be opened at Washington and
Plymouth. Four thousand colored soldiers are counted upon in this
department. There is likely to be one item of compensation to the
Government for holding these posts upon the enemy's soil. It is,
indeed, due to the freedmen that we provide these harbors of refuge
for those who escape from the rebel lines. There is, perhaps, not a
slave in North Carolina who does not know that he may find freedom
in Newbern, and thus Newbern may be the Mecca of a thousand noble
aspirations. Leave Newbern to the rebels and hope would die out
altogether in many a poor trembling heart. Thank God that the noble
inspiration of human liberty is with us in this war. It helps us to abide
temporary disaster, and is our pledge of final success. But we shall
find a path stony and blood-moistened so long as we fail to have mercy

110 LETTERS FROM THE

and deal justly with the unoffending people who are the innocent cause
of this war.

The regimental band of the 44th has grown into a j5ne institution
under the combined labors of our chief musician, Mr. Babcock, and
the leader, Mr. N. H. Ingraham. Their repertory of music is large
and fine and played with expression. Much of it was arranged by A.
W. Ingraham, a brother of the leader, who has recently visited us. A
third brother, also a member of the band, died in hospital last winter.
Very much is due to this musical trio, and perhaps not less to the fine
orchestral taste of Mr. Babcock, for the striking proficiency attained
by the band. Considering the excellent moral effect of good music in
camp, we can hardly overestimate the thoughtful generosity of those
friends who provided us with musical instruments. If " sounds of
home " by them invoked have kept a single heart from going astray,
the gift could not have been amiss.

Two hundred rebel prisoners, including a Colonel and several line
officers, have just been captured near Kinston, by a brigade under
command of Col. Jones, of the Pennsylvania 58th. Beside the 58th,
the Mass. 5th and 27th took part in the expedition. We had a fbw
men wounded. The rebels suffered much more.

Newbern, N. C, May 20, 1863.
Your correspondent with the Eighteenth Army Corps proposes to
deliver a series of " lectures upon the war " after he shall have re-
turned to Boston. The topics to be embraced in the proposed series
will include not only operations in the Department of North Carolina,
but in those of the South and Grulf, if not in Virginia and the South-
west, his observations having convinced him that it is by no means
necessary to see a battle to describe it with all desirable particularity
and enthusimoosy. Tickets will be placed at one dollar. Your cor-
respondent undertakes this disinterested and benevolent enterprise in
consequence of the great dearth of information with reference to the
war ; but preliminary to his appearance he wishes to engage the ser-
vices of the experienced dramatic editor of the Boston Herald for a
proper introduction in his new capacity to the Athenian world. He
wiU understand the importance of a suitable invitation, and will please
allow your correspondent to refer him to a formula among the adver-
tisements in Boston papers of a late date. To the document, modelled
according to this suggestion, he will then secure the autographs of

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. Ill

Honorable Edward Everett, Honorable Robert C. Winthrop, et id omnes
genus, by means of which those eminently respectable gentlemen will
be made to express the deep interest with which they have perused the
letters of " Corporal" in the Boston Herald, and their burning anxiety
to hear him continue his elucidation of such noble themes as bal masques,
hard tack, camp opera, salt horse, &c., &c. The dramatic editor, after
reference to another formula among the advertisements of late Boston
papers, will then indite a noble reply to the invitation, expressing the
willingness of "Corporal" to give a public recital of his experience
with hard tack, musty rice and shrivelled beans, during the period that
he stood up for his country. He may mention June 17th as the time,
and Faneuil HaU as the place. This " Interesting Correspondence "
must then be published in all the Boston papers, free, if possible, but
if not possible, regardless of expense. It is not expected that Faneuil
HaU will contain the crowd which will be attracted to its portals ; but
the public, being a capricious, theatre-going monster, may not turn out
as anticipated, so, Mr. Dramatic Editor, I charge you to secure, by a
bribe, the attendance of a reporter from each Boston paper, so that the
aforesaid monster shall not go unlightened by the oral disquisitions of
your correspondent.

The fly-statistics of your Port Royal correspondent must not lead
your readers to suppose that the Department of the South enjoys a
monopoly of this interesting insect. I aUude to common house flies.
Fleas and musquitoes do not greatly abound at Newbern, but house
flies swarm like the locusts of Egypt. The wood-ticks of Hill's Point,
which adhered to the cuticle with a death-grasp, deserved a paragraph,
but the house flies of Newbern are even a greater nuisance. The print-
er will not fail to notice the peculiar manner in which they have punct-
uated this sheet of manuscript. Their tracks are visible upon every
object which they can touch — upon our plates, dippers, knives, forks,
bread. They attack us with desperation at meal times, and if we have
anything better than usual they are sure to find it out, and rally upon
the sweet point, so that while we convey the food to our mouth with
one hand, we are forced to fight flies with the other. " Tempus fugit,"
commences a letter of your Newbern correspondent, " Tiger." " Fly
time — very appropriate," parenthetically remarked the free translator
Frederick, as he read and described curves in the air.

Among recent visitors here have been Hon. Mr. Comins and wife,
of Roxbury. General Wild and staff, of the African brigade, in pro-
cess of formation, are here.

312 LETTERS FROM THE

Newbern, N. C, May 26, 1863.

The recent dash by one of our brigades near Kinston, which resulted
in the capture of about two hundred rebel soldiers, was followed by an
angry spite on the part of the rebels in that direction, who gave our
pickets some trouble, and who, by the agency of a sharpshooter, suc-
ceeded in killing Colonel Jones, of the Penn. 58th — one of the
most brave officers and excellent men in the service ; one of the Jack-
son type of soldiers, fighting heart and hand, and praying also for the
success of the Union cause. We hate to lose such men. We have
none such to spare. We wonder that a good cause is bereft of such
auxiliaries, and are perhaps too slow to learn the lesson that individual
men are of little account in eliminating the grand designs of Providence.
We need to be cured of hero-worship. It has been one of the banes
interfering with the due progress of the war. We may safely put faith
in men collectively, and in the principles which prevade the masses of
the North, but never in any single man or set of men.

Company F, Captain Storrow has gone to Fortress Monroe, having
in charge a lot of rebel prisoners. We expect the company will come
back to Newbern and accompany the regiment home.

Another levy has been made upon us for officers in regiments of colored
men. Privates W. D. Crane of Company D, Goodwin, Woodward, and
Sergeant Weld, of Company F, are among those who propose leaving
Newbern for Boston to-day to take commisions as line officers in one
or more of these regiments.

Some of the more festive of the line officers in this department have
recently assisted at a variegated affair called a nigger ball, which tran-
spired at the house of Black Lovinia, one of the Skittletop sisterhood.
Not the least interested and observant spectators of this recherche affair
were one or two sentinels in the vicinity, who tell curious stories of the
carryings-on. The assemblage occupied two stories of the building,
the lower rooms being partly devoted to dancing ; but some of the
movements were not recognized in any of the modern schottisches,
waltzes, or polka-redowas. It was a marbled crowd, the upper stratum
being described as yellow and white, and the lower one pure black and
white. So, with strange indifference to the articles of war, say those
prying fellows, the nocturnal sentinels.

The rebel guerrillas, who are always prowling around Newbern,
succeeded recently in catching a couple of schooners becalmed down the
river, and burned them to the water's edge.

Our convalescents are sent down to Beaufort and Morehead City

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 113

for the benefit to be derived fi-om sea air. The principal hospital was
formerly a large hotel. It stands upon piles, and the tides flow beneath
it. The patients ride in sail boats, eat strawberries, and disport with
the fair secesh of Beaufort, who are quite an improvement upon the
tallow-faced damsels of the interior.

Newbern, N. C, May 29, 1863.

As our nine months' service draws to its close, time drags its slow
length along in the most irritating manner possible. This police life
would soon demoralize, if it did not kill us quite. We have already
lost not a little of our former excellency in drill, and we have dubious
anticipations as to the figure we shall cut on Boston Common.

If we arrive in Boston before the expiration of our term of service,
there is a probability of our spending a few days in camp at Readville,
where we hope to recover our military stamina, and where we shall be
at home to our old friends of blessed memory.

In a recent letter containing a reference to the band, I said that we
had been visited by A. W. Ingraham, to whose skillful arrangement of
music, much of the excellency of the band was due. Mr. Ingraham
has since the assumed the leadership, and his splendid bugle playinor is
now a marked and attractive feature of the music at serenades and dress
parades.

On the 27th our regiment being formally mustered agreeable to an
order from headquarters, we were addressed by General Foster and so-
licited to join the new heavy artillery regiment. The General was
heartily cheered, but I think very few of the boys will care to re-enlist
until they have seen Massachusetts once more, although furloughs and
other inducements are tendered. The artillery branch of the service,
the Department of North Carolina, and General Foster are all to the
liking of our regiment, and many of its members are likely to return
here.

The 27th was General Foster's birthday. In the evenincr his resi-
dence was brilliantly lighted and crowded with guests. Music, gaiety
and splendid hospitality graced the occasion — contrasting strangely with
the impressive ceremonials of the preceding day attending the removal
of the remains of Colonel Jones to the steamer.

Captain Smith, of Company H, Lieutenants Newell, of Company
E, and Odiorne, of Company G, Orderly Sergeant AVbite, of Company
E, Orderly Sergeant Cunningham, of Company C, and private Curtis,

114 LETTERS FROM THE

of Company F, are to take commissions in a new regiment of heavy
artillery recruiting for this garrison, and to be under the command of
Major Frankle, of the Massachusetts 17th regiment, as Colonel.

Orderly Sergeant Mulliken, of Company H, has been elected Second
Lieutenant, in place of Lieutenant Howe, promoted to be First Lieu-
tenant, in place of Lieutenant Johnson, appointed Adjutant, in place
of Lieutenant Ilinkley, who is to be Adjutant of the artillery regiment.
Since writing the above, I learn that a number of our regiment, as well
as a number in the 43d and 45th, have decided to join as privates.

Newbern, N. C, June 1, 1863.

By a blunder of the printer, I was made in a recent letter to allude
to Lieut. Col. Hartwell, of the Mass. 55th, as a former second lieuten-
ant of Co. F. He was first lieutenant of that company, and much dis-
tinguished as a disciplinarian, as well as for his moral qualities.

Intelligence has just been received here of the death in a rebel hos-
pital of Orderly Sergeant Hobart, of Co. G, who was wounded and
captured near Washington, March 30, at the commencement of the
siege of that place. This intelligence comes by way of Washington,
D. C, through official sources. Nothing is known here of the fate of
private Leonard, who was severely wounded and captured at the same
time.

Some objection is made to the use of the word "police," as descrip-
tive of our duties in Newbern. I have used it in the civil and not in
the military sense of the word. Police duty, in a military sense, is
the duty of cleaning up the camp. As provost-guard of Newbern, our
duty is to "clean out" disreputable places, to see that soldiers in town
are not absent from their regiments without leave, and to attend to
moral publicans generally.

The negroes here honor the Hibernian custom of "waking" their
dead. On occasions of this sort, they sometimes render night so
hideous by their songs and shoutings that the guard is attracted to the
scene of their spiritual orgies, to enforce order. At midnight, the
revellers solemnly refresh themselves with cofi"ee, and then resume
their howling, reciting and chanting simple hymns, line by line.

Several transports are lying here and at Morehead, in one of which
a cavalry company arrived on the 29th ult. On the same day, Co. F
returned from Fortress Monroe, whither they had been sent to guard
prisoners sent from Newbern. Another transport arrived yesterday
with more cavalry.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 115

Lleuts. Briggs and Field, detached from the regiment some months
ago to serve on the signal corps in the Department of the South, have
returned to Newbern, and will go home with the regiment. Detailed
men are ordered to report to their companies on or before the 8th,
about the time we are expected to leave for home. It is said all our
sick will be taken with us. Even the most protracted cases of " con-
valescence" at Beaufort will hardly forego the glory of " marching up
State street," ^the only avenue to Boston by which a returning regiment
could possibly get into the city. Will the great army of quidnuncs,
the men with green spectacles, umbrellas and towering shirt collars,
coatless quill-drivers, the breechless admirers of brass bands, and the
floating population generally take the hint ? What avails going to the
war if there can be no State street finale with the customary remarks
of the reporters so nicely adjusted to the merits of each individual
corps ? How inscrutable are the judgments of reporters until their
impressions come to light in good fair type, when we find that the last
regiment, like all the preceding ones, " looked finely and marched like
veterans ! " Of course we shall be proud to be noticed ; and if the
great army of sight-seers, (without whom "marching up State street"
would be as apples of Sodom,) shall really enjoy the coming novelty of
a regiment marching up State street, will voluntarily swell the number
of those soon to march down street, we shall feel more than paid for
having aff'orded them a sensation, at the expense of our blushing
modesty.

June 6, 1863.

At this writing (half past one o'clock r. m.) the 44th regiment,
pleasantly quartered on board the transport steamers " Guide" and
"George Peabody," is steaming out of Beaufort (N.C.) harbor, bound
for dear old Boston. Just as the train of open cars which bore us
from Newbern to Morehead City this morning was getting under way,
the clouds opened with rain as though determined to treat us with a part-
ing baptism, as w-ell as the introductory one by which we were drenched
through and through on our w^ay from Morehead City to Newbern last
October. But in this respect we w-ere agreeably disappointed. It
rained but little, and the sunbeams came through so many vapory
clouds that the weather was delightful. Nine months' absence from
the sea coast had sharpened an old love for ocean breezes ; and as we
neared INIorehead, the sweet smells of the beach mingled with the
refreshing coolness coming

"From where old Triton blows his wreathed horn,"
were inhaled wdth delight and gratitde.

116 LETTERS FROM THE

The right wing of our regiment is on board the Guide. The right
wing includes companies A, G, H, K, and E. The Colonel, Lieut. -
Colonel, and Major, the regimental band, the surgeon, and the sick,
are also on board the Guide.

The left wing is upon the George Peabody. We consist of com-
panies F, B, D, C, and I, under command of senior Captain Storrow.

Being the slower boat, we have the start. The weather continues
delightful; the sea is azure: and, as we turn our prow northward,
satisfaction and joyful anticipations hover over us beautiful as birds
of paradise.

I believe we carry with us from the department of North Carolina
the cordial good will of Gen. Foster. That this sentiment is fully
reciprocated by our regiment the enthusiasm in its ranks always
excited by the presence of the General is abundant proof. He hon-
ored the occasion of our departure by coming out to the depot with
his full staff. He was greeted with a storm of cheers, which he and
staff heartily returned. Last night he received our ofhcers at his
residence in a very complimentary manner. In the meantime the
quarters of several of the companies were illuminated, the boys ex-
changed visits in a very unceremonious and jubilant manner, and
cheered everybody and everything without regard to sex or condition.
So passed the eve of our departure from Newbern. This morning the
Mass. 3d regiment. Captain Richmond, honored us by escorting the
44th to the depot.

We are succeeded as provost guard by the Mass. 27th, one of the
noblest bodies of men in the service.

June 7, 1863.

We had heavy showers and a high wind last night. Many of the deck
sleepers were driven below. Those who remained found their clothes
and blankets saturated with water this morning. Our guns, late the
pride of the regiment, were covered with rust. A stiff wind was
blowing from the northwest, and the unsteady motion of the boat was
beginning to have the customary effect on landsmen. We turned out
this morning a dismal-looking set; but, as the day advanced, we
presently discovered blue sky enough to make a pair of breeches for a
Dutchman, and then we knew we were safe, according to the best
marine logic. Still later the sun struggled into view, cheering our
hearts and drying our blankets at the same time. Contrary to the gen-
eral impression, I find that there was but little sea-sickness last night.
It Avas something else, — sourness of the stomach, sickness of the
stomach, headache, &c., but the symptoms were wonderfully uniform.

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 117

On board the George Peabody, with our left wing, are about one
hundred men from the 46th, 43d, 8th, and other Massachusetts nine
months' regiments, going home on a furlough, having enlisted in Col.
Frankle's regiment of heavy artillery, at Newbern.

JuxE 9.

The interim indicated by my last two dates was covered by indispo-
sition— not sea-sickness, of course, but something mightily like it in all
its external indications. I may here mention that we have had a pretty
rough trip, steaming for most of the time directly against a northeaster.
As a natural result, thirteen were in the hospital last night, and the ven-
erable captain of the Peabody was forced to retire to his cabin and sol-
emnly take an observation through the skylight every thirty minutes.

We have been cheered by one reminiscence of camp life, to wit,
roll-call. The homeward-bound citizen soldiery, thinking routine about
played out, answered en masse for every name as it was called, and
found it impossible, in consequence of the roughness of the sea, to keep
from tumbling over each other, to the great detriment of the proper
company rectilinear. Roll-call on shipboard was thenceforward dis-
pensed with as impracticable, if not impossible. It was with no small
satisfaction that our eyes opened this morning to find the Peabody
making its way up Vineyard Sound, between beautiful, bold, green
shores dotted with villages and more scattered white cottages, eloquent
of thrift and industry which cannot live with slavery and rebellion.

7 o'clock, p. M.

We were steaming up in the track of a golden sunset this evening
toward dear old Boston, when our progress was arrested by a terrible
being on a tug-boat, who first demanded the name of our regiment, and
then ordered us to haul to. We obeyed. We then inquired of the
terrible being, who wore two rows of brass buttons, if our escort, the
Guide, had arrived ? " Who is the ofiicer in command r" again de-
manded the being, not choosing to hear the question. He was in-
formed. The being then boarded us, waving us from before him with
both hands. He retired to the cabin for a conference, and presently
emerged therefrom, but what is to come of all this we can only con-
jecture with fear and trembling. We may have to wait on board for
the Guide, which we now for the first time are apprised, is behind us,
but there is a talk of putting us into Fort Independence. Of one thing,
however, we are sure : We have seen Major-Gcnerals and even a Major-
General of an Army Corps, but General Foster, in all his glory, can
hold no candle to the terrible being who come upon us from the tug.

118 LETTERS FROM THE

THE WELCOME HOME.

The Boston Herald, of June 10th, gives the following account of the
welcome home extended to the 44th Regiment :

THE RECEPTION OF THE FORTY-X^OURTH REGIMENT.

As was anticipated, the transport steamer Guide, with the right wing
of the 44th regiment, arrived here about 6 o'clock this morning, and
steamed directly up to Central Wharf, followed by the George Peabody,
and without loss of time the troops commenced to disembark, this work
being finished in less than two hours, when the two vessels left the wharf.

The regiment was drawn up by companies, and arms were stacked
and knapsacks unslung, when the men were dismissed, a guard being
mounted across the wharf. But, prior to this, a large number of men
had run up in town to see their friends, supposing their leave allowed
them this privilege, and those who did not take this view of the matter
remained on the wharf, where hundreds of their friends went to welcome
them home.

Soon after the men landed, through the forethought and liberality of
Messrs. S. J. Whall and L. M. Dyer, the men were supplied with excellent
hot eoifee and bread and butter, and thanks to these gentlemen were in
every soldier's mouth.

A pleasant incident occurred last evening as the steamer George
Peabody, with the left wing of the regiment on board, was passing Fort^
Warren. The entire garrison turned out and gave continuous cheers
of welcome to the returning soldiers, the post band playing " Home,
sweet Home." The cheers were returned from the steamer, and were
continued until the steamer got a long distance past the fort.

The following is the Roster of the regiment. Several changes have
taken place during the term of service of the regiment :

FIELD AND STAFF.

Colonel, Francis L. Lee; Lieutenant Colonel, E. C. Cabot; Major,
C. W. Dabney, Jr.; Surgeon, T. W. Fisher; Assistant Surgeon, Dan-
iel McPhee ; Adjutant, E. C. Johnson; Quartermaster, F. Bush, Jr.;
Chaplain, E. H. MrW.

Non-Commisfioved Staff. — Sergeant Major, Wm. H. Bird; Quar-
termaster's Sergeant, F. S. Giiford ; Commissary's Sergeant, C. D.
Woodberry; Hospital Steward, W. C. Brigham ; Principal Musician,
G. L. Babcock.

LINE OFFICERS.

('aptains — Company A, J. M. Richardson ; B, J. M. Griswold ; C,
G. B. Lombard ; D, H. D. Sullivan ; E, S. W. Richardson ; F, C. Stor-
row; G, C. Hunt; H, W. V. Smith; I, J. R. Kendall; K, R. H.
Weld.

First Lieutenants — Company A, J. Coffin; B, J. A. Kendrick ; Jr.;
C, W. Hedge; D, J. H. Blake, Jr.; E, J. S. Newell; F, T. E. Tay-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 119

lor; G, J. C. White; H, A. E. Howe; I, W. D. Hooper; K, F. T.
Brown.

Second Licnfevavt^ — Company A, C. G. Kendall; B, C. C. Soule ;
C, J. W. BrigfTs: D, A. H. Stebbins; E, J. S. Cumston ; F, H. S.
Stebbins; G, F. Odiorne; H, J. L. MiUliken; J, B. F. Fields, Jr.;
K, J. Parkinson, Jr.

The regiment has been in five engagements, viz.: Rawls' Mills, Kins-
ton, "Whitehall, Goldsbovo' and Washington, all in North Carolina, in
which thirteen men were killed. On leaving Massachusetts there was
an aggregate of 1018 in the regiment, and it returns with 916, one
hundred and two men having been killed in battle, died from disease or
been discharged for disability.

Prior to the departure of the regiment from Newbern, the following
order was issued by jMojor General Foster, which shows how well the
men have served their country during their term of service :

Headquarters 18th Army Corps, >

Newbern, N. C, Junr 5th, 1863. J
Special Orders No. 160—17.

The Commandins; General, on bidding farewell to the 44th Regiment M. V. M.
conveys to them his high appreciation of and thanks for their services whilst in
this Department.

As a part of the garrison of Washington, and in the various duties to which
they have been assigned, they have always done their duty as soldiers.

The Commanding General in parting expresses his hopes to officers and men
that he may have the pleasure of welcoming their return here, and tenders
them, one and all, his best and kindest wishes for the future.

By command of Major General .7. G. Foster,

(Signed) S. HOFFMAN, A. A. G.

The escort assembled on the Tremont street Mall of the Common,
and at 10 o'clock left there for Central Wharf. The companies form-
ing the escort were und^r command of Major J. Putnam Bradlee, and
consisted of the New England Guard Reserve with 93 guns ; the Mas-
sachusetts Eifle Club, Captain Moore, with 114 guns; the Battalion of
National Guards, Major C. W. Stevens, with 102 guns, and the Rox-
bury Reserve Guard, Captain Wyman, with 80 guns ; the whole headed
by Gilmore's and the Brigade Bands.

On reaching Central wharf the escort was drawn up in line along
India street, and the Regiment being formed on the wharf, the usual
preliminary proceedings to the taking up the escort were gone through
with, and the column moved over the prescribed route to the Common,
entering at the gate at the corner of Charles and Beacon streets.

All along the route the streets were crowded to excess, and the win-
dows were filled with ladies, who cheered the men with a will as they
marched along. Bouquets were showered on them from every side,
and the entire march was an ovation of which the regiment must have
felt proud.

After entering the parade ground the regiment marched past the

120 LETTERS FROM THE

escort and then wheeled into line in front, the right resting on Beacon
street mall. The Mayor and City Grovernment were in waiting in front
of the regiment, and Colonel Lee having opened his ranks and saluted,
brought his men to the " parade rest." His Honor Mayor Lincoln then
advanced in front of the line, being accompanied by Greneral Tyler,
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, and addressed Colonel
Lee as follows :

Mr. Commander: — In behalf of the Municipal Government and the
people of Boston, it is my duty and privilege to extend to you and
your command, the 44th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, a cor-
dial and hearty welcome on your return home from the seat of war. The
presence of this large assembly, the crowds of citizens who have greeted
you in our thronged streets, the eager impatience with which your
arrival has been anticipated, is an evidence that this is not merely an
official act of common courtesy and form. The peculiar circumstances
under which your regiment was organized, the character, education and
social position of the young men who compose its rank and file, the
alacrity with which they rallied to arms upon the call of the President,
last samnier, the good order which has distinguished them in the camp,
and the valor and gallant deeds which they have shown in the field,
have awakened an unusual interest in the community of which they
form a part.

It has been said that a nation could not rely for defence, in time of
danger, upon the young men brought up in a city. The habits and as-
sociations of a metropolitan life it was feared unfitted them for those
stern duties and personal physical labors which they must endure in a
soldiers' career, and which their brothers from the agricultural districts,
on account of their accustomed avocations, were better calculated to
perform. But the experience of the past two years has conquered that
prejudice, if it really ever existed to any considerable extent, for we
have found that some of the most gallant achievements of the war have
been by those regiments which have hailed from the cities of the land,
and from young men whose infancy was cradled in luxury and ease. It
is not always the largest in stature, or those whose muscles are the best
developed, but it is the f^ph-it in the man which commands success, and
the homely virtues of pluck and courage are not confined to particular
classes or business pursuits, but exist wherever the tru.e fire of disin-
terested patriotism inspires the breast.

You went forth to the distant scene of the conflict at a time when you
must have had a full knowledge of the dangers which you were to en-
counter, and the sacrifices you must make, off"ering up even your lives,
if need be, to preserve the liberties of your country. You loved your
homes, you were bound by the tenderest ties of afi"ectionate relatives
and friends, and because those sentiments were so strong in your
breasts you were ready to do, and to dare, anything and everything in
their behalf.

The flag of our country which has floated over you has been the sym-
bol of all that makes life dear, and you have defended it with a resolu-

MASSACHUSETTS FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 121

tion and manliness which has conferred honor upon yourselves, and
added renown to the old Commonwealth under whose auspices you went
forth to meet the common enemy.

We owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have done ; we know
now that we can rely upon you if the occasion should again call for
your services. We mom-n for the honored dead and would pay our
tribute of respect to the memory of your brave comrades who have
fallen in battle or who have been struck by disease in the line of their
duty, and we would bless the kind Providence which has protected so
many to be again united in family circles, and to enjoy the comforts of
homes which have been rendered more precious by the sacrifices you
have made. In the future you can look back upon the campaign you
have past with just pride, and can feel that in this crisis of our nation's
history you have acquitted yourselves like men and patriots.

I cannot conclude without acknowledging the important aid given to
your regiment in a perilous period in your history by the oth Rhode
Island Regiment, Col. Sisson, who, I am happy to hear, is present, and
can bear to his command the gratitude of our people for their timely
assistance.

Having said thus much and congratulated you upon this auspicious
occasion, I invite you to the repast which has been prepared and which
fair hands are now waiting to serve.

Col. Lee briefly responded, thanking the city authorities for the
handsome manner in which the regiment had been received, and ex-
pressing the gratification it gave him to be able to bring back so many
men. He assured the Mayor that he felt proud of his kind mention of
Col. Sisson and the brave oth Rhode Island Regiment, as his gallant
action in the relief of Washington was one of the most noteworthy of
the war.

At the close of Col. Lee's response the various companies in the
regiment wheeled into platoons and stacked arms, when they were
dismissed to partake of the collation, which was spread on separate
tables for each company, on the Charles street maU. The tables were
tended by ladies, and presented a beautiful appearance from the num-
ber of bouquets of flowers adorning them. The Grermania Band furn-
ished good music during the time the regiment was partaking of
refreshments.

A large crowd assembled on the Connnou, and after the collation
warmly embraced their friends in the regiment.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies on the Common, the regiment was
granted a furlough until the succeeding 3Ionday at sunset, when the}-
wore ordered to report at Readville. On the succeeding Thursday,
June 18th, we were mustered out of the service of the United States.

A

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